kotow
Prostrate oneself servilely
Kotow is an older spelling of kowtow—to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of submission or respect.
The gesture was required before Chinese emperors.
Figuratively, to kotow is to show excessive deference: He refused to kotow to the new management.
The spelling kowtow is now standard.
Respectful forward inclination
- prostrateLying fully extended
- kneelBend legs to ground
- genuflectBend knee reverently
- obeisanceGesture of reverence
grovel · salaam · curtsy · stoop · crouch · bend · incline · nod
Young deer, or flatter
- grovelHumble oneself servilely
- toadyObsequious flatterer seeking favor
- sycophancyObsequious behavior toward authority
- bootlickingServile flattery for advantage
ingratiate · flatter · cringe · cower · abase · pander · obsequious · subservient
Regard with honor
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- homageExpression of deep respect
- tributeOffering of respect
honor · esteem · regard · deference · submission · obeisance · acknowledgment · recognition
Produce or relinquish
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- capitulateYield under pressure
- acquiesceSubmit without protest
- deferDelay or submit
comply · obey · submit · concede · succumb · give in · knuckle under · bow down
Male ruler of empire
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
- mandarinSmall, loose-skinned citrus
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
audience · petition · tribute · vassal · envoy · diplomatic · ambassador · audience hall
bow
Respectful forward inclination
obeisance · grovel · salaam · curtsy · stoop · crouch · bend · incline · nod · dip
fawn
Young deer, or flatter
- grovelHumble oneself servilely
- toadyObsequious flatterer seeking favor
- sycophancyObsequious behavior toward authority
bootlicking · ingratiate · flatter · cringe · cower · abase · pander · obsequious · subservient · servile
respect
Regard with honor
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- homageExpression of deep respect
tribute · honor · esteem · regard · deference · submission · obeisance · acknowledgment · recognition · courtesy
yield
Produce or relinquish
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- capitulateYield under pressure
- acquiesceSubmit without protest
defer · comply · obey · submit · concede · succumb · give in · knuckle under · bow down · accede
emperor
Male ruler of empire
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
- mandarinSmall, loose-skinned citrus
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
throne · audience · petition · tribute · vassal · envoy · diplomatic · ambassador · audience hall · ceremonial
kotowdefy
Resist or challenge openly
rebel · resist · stand up to · disobey · refuse
kotowassert oneself
Declare one's position firmly
stand one's ground · hold one's head high · dominate · command · dictate