sycophant

[ sik-uh-fuhnt, -fant, sahy-kuh- ]

noun

1. a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite.

   Synonyms: flatterer, fawner, flunky, toady

sycophant

/ ˈsɪkəfənt /

noun

1. a person who uses flattery to win favour from individuals wielding influence; toady

Derived Forms

• ˈsycophancy, noun

Other Words From

• syco·phantic syco·phanti·cal syco·phantish adjective
• syco·phanti·cal·ly syco·phantish·ly adverb
• syco·phant·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sycophant¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin sȳcophanta, from Greek sȳkophántēs “informer,” from sŷko(n) “fig” + phan- (stem of phaínein “to show”) + -tēs, agent noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of sycophant¹

C16: from Latin sӯcophanta, from Greek sukophantēs, literally: the person showing a fig, apparently referring to the fig sign used in making an accusation, from sukon fig + phainein to show; sense probably developed from ``accuser'' to ``informer, flatterer''

Example Sentences

He showed that he has no real advisers left—only sycophants— and that his own views are as extreme as any of theirs.

From Time

In memory, he was reviled as a servile race traitor, a cringing sycophant to white wealth and power.

From The Daily Beast

However reactionary a sycophant to rich people and slasher of programs for others he might be, he is the governor.

From The Daily Beast

Worse yet, this now elderly American with his signature mutton chops was a royal sycophant.

From The Daily Beast

The same intriguing sycophant who had encouraged the Papist in one fatal error was now encouraging the soldier in another.

From Project Gutenberg

Voluerunt sycophant theologi λεοντἡν illam sibi circumdare, ut essent nobis formidabiliores.

From Project Gutenberg

"Don't go any nearer to them," said the Judge, in the tones of a sycophant.

From Project Gutenberg

Avaunt, thou grand sycophant of the nineteenth century, thou vile usurper of the people's throne!

From Project Gutenberg

The sycophant B would come to the magistrate, offer 1600 for the property, and lodge the 1600 with the magistrate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• groupie
• lackey