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

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

“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

Candidates now publicly genuflect before him, as Beto O’Rourke did when the former Texas congressman took the stage soon after the conference got underway Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2019

Every time I stepped into his office, I felt the need to genuflect.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore