Kowtow definition
The act of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground.
noun
To perform a kowtow.
verb
The definition of kowtow is to be submissive or subservient to someone, or to kneel and touch the ground with your forehead as an act of worship.
A woman who gives into all of her husband's needs and demands and who is submissive to him is an example of someone who kowtows to her husband.
When a Chinese man touches his forehead to the ground while worshiping, this is an example of kowtow.
verb
The act of kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead to show great deference, submissive respect, homage, etc., as formerly in China.
noun
To show servile respect (to)
verb
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The act of kowtowing.
noun
To kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, as formerly done in China.
verb
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To show servile deference.
verb
An obsequious act.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
kowtow
Plural:
kowtowsOrigin of kowtow
- From Mandarin kòu tóu a kowtow from Middle Chinese khəw` tfiəw khəw` to strike, knock tfiəw head
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Wiktionary