kowtow
verb (used without object)
to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
was kowtowing
-
past progressiveof kowtow.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Rolly never acted like he was kowtowing to the boss.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2023
They suspected that the network was kowtowing to the former Secretary of State because he is a powerful man and has a fiveyear, $1 million contract with NBC as a consultant and commentator.
From Time Magazine Archive
