kowtow

[ kou-tou, -tou, koh- ]
/ ˈkaʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ, ˈkoʊ- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR kowtow ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom.

noun

the act of kowtowing.
Also kotow.

Origin of kowtow

First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu literally, knock (one's) head

OTHER WORDS FROM kowtow

kow·tow·er, noun

Words nearby kowtow

kowaiti, koweit, kowhai, kowhaiwhai, kowloon, kowtow, koyukon, kozani, kozhikode, kozlov, košice

Words related to kowtow

pander, genuflect, fawn, court, flatter, bow, stoop, fold, cower, prostrate, cringe, kneel

Example sentences from the Web for kowtow

British Dictionary definitions for kowtow

kowtow
/ (ˌkaʊˈtaʊ) /

verb (intr)

to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom
(often foll by to) to be servile or obsequious (towards)

noun

the act of kowtowing

Derived forms of kowtow

kowtower, noun

Word Origin for kowtow

C19: from Chinese k'o t'ou, from k'o to strike, knock + t'ou head