bow down
Bend in submission
To bow down is to bend the body forward and downward in submission, reverence, or worship: The subjects bowed down before the king.
It implies deeper deference than a simple bow—often suggesting humility or subordination to authority.
Figuratively, to bow down to something is to yield to it: I refuse to bow down to their demands.
- kneelBend legs to ground
- bend the kneeCeremonial act of submission
- on bended kneeKneeling in supplication
- kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
- genuflectBend knee reverently
obeisance · curtsy · reverence · show respect · salaam · congee · prostrate · worship · awe · stoop · homage · humility · bend · supplication · humble · veneration · submission · throne
- Braggingbrag, gloat, show off, flex, swagger
- body movementsflexion, bend, twist, standing, extension
- deferencedeference, curtsy, genuflect, kneeling, obeisance
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
- fighting wordsfight me, bring it, square up, throw hands, step outside
- flatteryflatter, praise, flattery, compliment, compliments
physical posture
bow downstand up
Rise to feet
stand tall · rise · straighten up · hold one's head high · rear up
submission vs. defiance
bow downdefy
Resist or challenge openly
resist · rebel · stand one's ground · assert oneself · stand up to