obsequiousness

[ uhb-see-kwee-uhs-nis ]

noun

1. slavish or fawning obedience or excessive eagerness to please:

   Once they’d gained self-respect through education, women were no longer willing to show obsequiousness or blind obedience.

Other Words From

• o·ver·ob·se·qui·ous·ness noun
• un·ob·se·qui·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsequiousness¹

obsequious ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

The obsequiousness of politicians before the wealthy is a thing to behold.

From Salon

If you do come, though, he’ll also certainly mock you in private for your excessive obsequiousness.

From Slate

Berkoff, a master of menace, apparently became savagely Pinteresque in the rehearsal room, browbeating members of the collaborative team, railing at what he took to be American cluelessness and rolling his eyes at the general obsequiousness toward Pinter, a fellow playwright he appeared not to hold in all that high regard.

From Los Angeles Times

McCarthy was forever tainted by Democrats for his ties and perceived obsequiousness to Trump.

From Slate

If Pravda had written such a piece, Vladimir Putin would have had the writers killed — for slavish obsequiousness.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• admiration
• adoration
• awe
• deference
• devotion
• esteem
• loyalty
• piety
• respect
• veneration