kowtow Definition
to act in an excessively subservient manner; to show excessive deference; to grovel.
Using kowtow: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "kowtow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He refused to kowtow to his boss's demands.
Example
The politician was accused of kowtowing to special interests.
Example
I won't kowtow to anyone just because they have money or power.
Example
She felt like she had to kowtow to her parents' expectations.
kowtow Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with kowtow
to submit to someone's demands or wishes in an overly obedient or subservient way
Example
He refused to kowtow to his boss's unreasonable demands.
to show excessive respect or deference to those in positions of power or authority
Example
The politician was accused of kowtowing to authority instead of standing up for what he believed in.
to blindly follow or adhere to traditional practices or beliefs without questioning their validity
Example
Some people feel like they have to kowtow to tradition even if it doesn't make sense to them.
Origins of kowtow
from Chinese 'kòu tóu', meaning 'knock the head'
Summary: kowtow in Brief
'Kowtow' [ˌkaʊˈtaʊ] is a verb that means to act in an excessively subservient manner, showing excessive deference or groveling. It is often used in the context of submitting to someone's demands or showing excessive respect to those in positions of power or authority. Examples include 'He refused to kowtow to his boss's demands' and 'The politician was accused of kowtowing to special interests.' Synonyms include 'grovel,' 'fawn,' and 'toady.'
