genuflect

American  

[jen-yoo-flekt] / ˈdʒɛn yʊˌflɛkt /

verb (used without object)

1. to bend the knee or touch one knee to the floor in reverence or worship.

2. to express a servile attitude.

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genuflect British  

/ ˈdʒɛnjʊˌflɛkt /

verb

1. to act in a servile or deferential manner

2. RC Church to bend one or both knees as a sign of reverence, esp when passing before the Blessed Sacrament

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Other Word Forms

• genuflection noun
• genuflector noun

Etymology

Origin of genuflect

1620–30; < Medieval Latin genūflectere to bend the knee, equivalent to Latin genū-, stem of genu knee + flectere to bend

Explanation

If you are genuflecting, you are on your knees — either physically or in spirit. Politicians are experts at genuflecting to whatever idea or person is most popular at the time. In the old days, when you came in front of your social superiors, you were expected to genuflect: that is, bend your knee and bow submissively. You did it before kings and nobles, and everyone did it in church before God. In our more egalitarian age, genuflecting has taken on a rather insincere and servile meaning. Best not to genuflect, but simply to admire.

Example Sentences

Shows like “Top Chef” teach us to genuflect at the altars of celebrity culinarians, viewing their restaurants and signature dishes as luxury experiences as opposed to showing regular folks how to think innovatively about dinner.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2026

Turn off your cellphones and get ready to genuflect because Patti LuPone, musical theater royalty, is heading to the Hollywood Bowl on July 30 for a one-night tribute to Sondheim.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2023

“Let’s use this moment, not to just genuflect toward the cause of good and right, let’s really do something,” he said “We know Shawnee children died at that mission. We want those kids’ names.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2021

“Every time I pass one,” he said, “I genuflect and say, ‘Thank you for the house, my kids’ education and the fact that we don’t have to eat cheese grits anymore.’

From Washington Post • May 26, 2021

I remained silent and remembered to genuflect exactly on cue.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez