kowtow
Prostrate oneself obsequiously
Kowtow comes from a Chinese word for the deep bow performed by kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground—a gesture of submission or reverence.
The word now usually appears figuratively, meaning to show excessive deference or eagerness to please: She refused to kowtow to management.
The literal prostration is rarely seen outside historical or ceremonial contexts.
Young deer, or flatter
- toadyObsequious flatterer seeking favor
- flatterPraise to please
- ingratiateSeek another's approval
- brownnoseExcessive flattery for advantage
bootlick · sycophancy · truckle · obsequiousness · adulation · toadyism · court · curry favor
Utter physical or mental depletion
- grovelHumble oneself servilely
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- genuflectBend knee reverently
- kneelBend legs to ground
obeisance · abasement · deference · subservience · servility · capitulate · surrender · yield
Profound admiring respect
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- homageExpression of deep respect
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- tributeOffering of respect
esteem · admiration · worship · devotion · regard · salute · recognition · appreciation
Lessen someone's anger
- propitiateRegain favor through offerings
- mollifyReduce anger or distress
- pacifyTo calm agitation
- conciliateCalm hostile feelings
sway · influence · persuade · charm · capitulate · accommodate · yield · cave
fawn
Young deer, or flatter
- toadyObsequious flatterer seeking favor
- flatterPraise to please
- ingratiateSeek another's approval
brownnose · bootlick · sycophancy · truckle · obsequiousness · adulation · toadyism · court · curry favor · apple-polish
prostration
Utter physical or mental depletion
kneel · obeisance · abasement · deference · subservience · servility · capitulate · surrender · yield · acquiesce
reverence
Profound admiring respect
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- homageExpression of deep respect
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
tribute · esteem · admiration · worship · devotion · regard · salute · recognition · appreciation · deference
placate
Lessen someone's anger
- propitiateRegain favor through offerings
- mollifyReduce anger or distress
- pacifyTo calm agitation
conciliate · sway · influence · persuade · charm · capitulate · accommodate · yield · cave · buckle
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
tradition · ancestors · emperor · imperial · court · dynasty · Manchu · tribute · diplomatic · envoy
- flatteryflatter, praise, flattery, compliment, compliments
- Chinese cultureConfucianism, Chinese calligraphy, Beijing, Chinese New Year, Daoism
- East Asian Culturechopsticks, yin and yang, tea ceremony, origami, qi
- Asian customsbowing, chopsticks, tea ceremony, red envelopes, filial piety
- Asian loanwordsanime, sushi, karate, ninja, tsunami
- Chinese loanwordsdim sum, kung fu, feng shui, tai chi, yin yang
kowtowdefy
Resist or challenge openly
rebel · resist · disobey · challenge · stand up to
kowtowstand tall
Maintain dignity under pressure
hold one's head high · straighten · rise · assert oneself · self-respect