sycophant

[ sik-uh-fuhnt, -fant, sahy-kuh- ]

noun

1. a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite.

   Synonyms: flatterer, fawner, flunky, toady

sycophant

/ ˈsɪkəfənt /

noun

1. a person who uses flattery to win favour from individuals wielding influence; toady

Derived Forms

• ˈsycophancy, noun

Other Words From

• syco·phantic syco·phanti·cal syco·phantish adjective
• syco·phanti·cal·ly syco·phantish·ly adverb
• syco·phant·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sycophant¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin sȳcophanta, from Greek sȳkophántēs “informer,” from sŷko(n) “fig” + phan- (stem of phaínein “to show”) + -tēs, agent noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of sycophant¹

C16: from Latin sӯcophanta, from Greek sukophantēs, literally: the person showing a fig, apparently referring to the fig sign used in making an accusation, from sukon fig + phainein to show; sense probably developed from ``accuser'' to ``informer, flatterer''

Example Sentences

A Black man walked by and dutifully played the role of sycophant.

From Salon

He also vented about Democratic on-air talent and Harris campaign surrogates taking up the airwaves that should be reserved for his sycophants.

From Salon

Beyond selling the Bibles to his most fervent supporters, it seems like the Bibles might be a way for political sycophants to earn favor in Trumpworld.

From Salon

Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump's favorite sycophants in the House of Representatives, believes people have nothing to do with climate change, but also believes the Democrats are secretly steering hurricanes.

From Salon

It’s hard to imagine the last time Trump, who cossets himself with an entourage of fawning sycophants, has been spoken to in that fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• groupie
• lackey