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Definition of genuflect

genuflect

/ˈdʒɛn.jʊ.flɛkt/
gen · u · flect
Past Simple:genuflected
•
Past Participle:genuflected
•
Present Participle:genuflecting
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genuflect Lexical Profile

genuflect Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To lower one's body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of reverence.

Example

"Worshippers quietly genuflected toward the altar before taking their seats in the pew."

2

To show excessive, servile deference or obsequious respect toward someone in authority.

Example

"The independent journalist refused to genuflect before the powerful corporate executives."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for genuflect
Antonyms
View all antonyms for genuflect

• Nearby Words

gentrify
gentry
gents
genuflect
genuine
genuinely
genuineness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Medieval Latin genuflectere, a compound of Latin genu ('knee') and flectere ('to bend').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Genuflect. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/genuflect
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