51Թ

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View synonyms for

kowtow

[ kou-tou, -tou, koh- ]

verb (used without object)

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


noun

  1. the act of kowtowing.

kowtow

/ ˌ첹ʊˈٲʊ /

verb

  1. to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom
  2. often foll by to to be servile or obsequious (towards)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. the act of kowtowing
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌǷˈٴǷɱ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ǷtǷİ noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of kowtow1

First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word òܳó, literally, “knock (one's) head”
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of kowtow1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

In surrendering their dignity and self-respect by kowtowing to Trump, he gives them something in return: a permission slip to break the moral code of civilized society.

From

The police union, meanwhile, accused Rhodes and other department leaders of kowtowing to progressive interests and making it harder for cops to do their jobs.

From

It will not want to be seen kowtowing to Washington.

From

On an episode of "The Daily Show" he excoriated the party for its continued kowtowing to Republicans and attempts to flank the GOP to its right.

From

Not in memory, possibly not ever, has the nation seen such overt, unapologetic and public displays of kowtowing to, and deal-making with, a U.S. president or president-elect by the nation’s rich and well-connected.

From

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