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

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

Thus they hide from the light, they burrow and grovel, and yet ever in, and through, and on them blazes that mighty light with its horror of darkness and behind it peals the voice…that must be answered.

From Salon

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul made Suozzi drive to Albany to all but grovel for her support.

From Seattle Times

“A few weeks ago our 14 year old dog stopped eating. At no point did our vet say to us ‘you should grovel before him and tell him you think he's the President,’” tweeted Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill.

From Salon

Related Words

• beseech
• fawn