kowtow
verb [I] /ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/ disapprovingDefinition
› to show too much respect to someone in authority, always obeying them and changing what you do in order to please themShowing respect and admiration
(Definition of kowtow verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
Browse the Dictionary
Browse the Thesaurus
SMART Thesaurus
Synonyms and related words:
- admiration noun
- admire verb
- admiring adjective
- awe noun
- awestruck adjective
- hero worship noun
- homage noun
- honorific adjective
- honour noun (RESPECT)
- honour verb (RESPECT)
- idolize verb
- impress verb
- know your place idiom
- pay your respects idiom
- respectful adjective (ADMIRATION)
- salute noun (PRAISE)
- salute noun (SHOW OF RESPECT)
- salute verb (PRAISE)
- sb deserves a medal idiom
- sit at the feet of sb idiom
Word of the Day
Blog
Read our blog about how the English language behaves.
New Words
Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.
