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

/ ˌkaʊˈtaʊ /

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)

noun

1. the act of kowtowing

Derived Forms

• ˌkowˈtower, noun

Other Words From

• kowtower noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow¹

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

Example Sentences

Exacting such a price would appeal to someone like Trump who wants to make people kowtow to him publicly.

From Salon

It appears that the news media as a whole is trying to kowtow to Trump.

From Salon

This journalistic kowtow reached a new depth with the decision of the Washington Post – the newspaper that famously brought down Richard Nixon – to withdraw a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris.

From Salon

Next, is kowtowing, accommodating and acquiescing to the whims and ego of that aging superstar or find yourself gone before your tenure is up.

From Los Angeles Times

Dating back more than a decade, Graham has been criticized by South Carolina conservatives who have accused him of kowtowing to Democrats on issues from immigration and bank bailouts to gun restrictions and climate change.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cave in
• genuflect
• pander