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Definition of grovel

grovel

/ˈɡrɑːv.əl/
grov · el
Adverb:grovelingly
•
Adjective:groveling
•
Past Simple:groveled
•
Past Participle:groveled
•
Present Participle:groveling
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grovel Lexical Profile

grovel Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act in an obsequious or overly submissive manner in order to obtain someone's forgiveness or favor.

Example

"He had to grovel for weeks before his manager finally agreed to overlook the costly mistake."

2

To lie or crawl abjectly on the ground with one's face downward as a token of extreme humility, fear, or submission.

Example

"The terrified prisoners were forced to grovel in the dirt before the approaching conqueror."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for grovel

• Nearby Words

grout
grouting
grove
grovel
groveler
grow
growable

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century as a back-formation from the Middle English adverb 'grovelinge' (meaning 'face down'), which derived from the Old Norse phrase 'a grufu' (meaning 'on one's face').

Cite this Entry

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