Kowtow (Verb)
Meaning 1
Bend the knees and bow in a servile manner.
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- The loyal subjects were forced to kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect and submission.
- She began to feel uneasy as the staff kowtowed to the new boss, fearing his wrath if they didn't conform.
- In feudal Japan, it was customary for visitors to kowtow upon entering the daimyo's chambers.
- The new intern found it hard not to kowtow when her demanding boss yelled at her for a minor mistake.
- Historical records show that the peasants were made to kowtow to the landowners who controlled their livelihoods.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- She has a habit of kowtowing to her in-laws whenever they come over for dinner.
- The politician was accused of kowtowing to special interest groups to secure campaign funding.
- He is so focused on getting a promotion that he's always kowtowing to the CEO.
- His opponent claimed that he was kowtowing to the wealthy elite rather than serving the community.
- The manager was known for being fair, but her assistant was notorious for kowtowing to her demands.