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

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

A recurring pattern of behaviour was emerging: MBS’s tendency to jettison the traditionally slow and collegiate system of Saudi decision-making, preferring to act unpredictably or upon impulse; and refusing to kowtow to the US, or be treated as head of a backward client state.

From BBC

In this light, the abstention sends a powerful signal—that the U.S. is no longer going to kowtow to Israel just for the sake of kowtowing.

From Slate

The need to kowtow seems to have scarred Torres.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cave in
• genuflect
• pander