kowtow
kowtow Lexical Profile
kowtow Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To act in an excessively subservient, obsequious, or deferential manner toward someone in authority.
"The independent journalist refused to kowtow to the demands of the local politicians."
To kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of traditional Chinese custom.
"Petitioners were required to kowtow three times upon entering the imperial court."
• noun
An act of excessive deference, obsequiousness, or servile submission.
"Critics dismissed the minister's speech as a shameful kowtow to wealthy corporate lobbyists."
A traditional Chinese act of deep respect or submission performed by kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground.
"Foreign envoys in the nineteenth century often objected to performing the ritual kowtow before the emperor."
• Rhymes for kowtow
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 19th century from Cantonese 'kau-tau' (Mandarin 'kòutóu'), literally meaning 'knock the head', referring to the traditional Chinese custom of touching one's forehead to the ground in reverence.