kneel

[ neel ]

verb (used without object)

, knelt [nelt] or kneeled, kneel·ing.

1. to go down or rest on the knees or a knee.

noun

1. the action or position of kneeling.

kneel

/ niːl /

verb

1. intr to rest, fall, or support oneself on one's knees

noun

1. the act or position of kneeling

Derived Forms

• ˈkneeler, noun

Other Words From

• kneeling·ly adverb
• un·kneeling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kneel¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English knelen, Old English cnēowlian (cognate with Low German knelen, Dutch knielen ). See knee, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of kneel¹

Old English cnēowlian; see knee

Example Sentences

The devil offers Jesus power over the whole world, and all he has to do is kneel before Satan and submit to his authority.

From Salon

Inside a house that is still standing, a young man kneels in front of his dead sister.

From BBC

He kneels and sarcastically tells a scared-looking youngster, “OK, I’m sorry, do you want to lose? I throw. You catch. It’s not that hard, OK?”

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Hilal knelt over his daughter's body, covered in an embroidered blanket, and wept.

From BBC

Dressed in black and accompanied by elders, she kneeled on the ground and begged for forgiveness, as did Ms Gucci.

From BBC

Related Words

• bow