grovel

[ gruhv-uhl, grov- ]

verb (used without object)

, grov·eled, grov·el·ing or (especially British) grov·elled, grov·el·ling.

1. to humble oneself or act in an abject manner, as in great fear or utter servility.

   Synonyms: pander, kowtow, fawn, toady, truckle

2. to lie or crawl with the face downward and the body prostrate, especially in abject humility, fear, etc.
3. to take pleasure in mean or base things.

grovel

/ ˈɡrɒvəl /

verb

1. to humble or abase oneself, as in making apologies or showing respect
2. to lie or crawl face downwards, as in fear or humility
3. often foll by in to indulge or take pleasure (in sensuality or vice)

Derived Forms

• ˈgrovellingly, adverb
• ˈgroveller, noun
• ˈgrovelling, nounadjective

Other Words From

• grovel·er especially British, grovel·ler noun
• grovel·ing·ly especially British, grovel·ling·ly adverb
• un·grovel·ing adjective
• un·grovel·ling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grovel¹

1585–95; back formation from obsolete groveling (adv.), equivalent to obsolete grufe face down (< Old Norse ā grūfu face down) + -ling ², taken to be present participle

Word History and Origins

Origin of grovel¹

C16: back formation from obsolete groveling (adv), from Middle English on grufe on the face, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse ā grūfu, from grūfa prone position; see -ling ²

Example Sentences

He added: "This statement needs to contain a commitment to growing the economy and a grovelling apology for the amount of money that has been wasted".

From BBC

The reaction from local Republicans this past week though was either misdirection or groveling.

From Seattle Times

They wanted to watch Shafik squirm and grovel and then they wanted her head on a spike, while amplifying a largely invented crisis that delights their base and divides core liberal constituencies against each other.

From Salon

In the movie, the editor of a literary magazine is forced to grovel for publishing a suddenly disfavored play.

From Los Angeles Times

This prompted her to issue a grovelling apology on Instagram, where she vowed "to heal the wounds" she had inflicted.

From BBC

Related Words

• beseech
• fawn