kowtows
Shows excessive deference
Kowtow comes from a Chinese word for a gesture of deep respect: kneeling and touching one's forehead to the ground.
The verb kowtow now typically means to show excessive deference or submission to someone in authority.
He refused to kowtow to the new management.
The word carries a negative connotation, suggesting servility or obsequiousness rather than genuine respect.
Obsequious behavior toward authority
- fawningExcessive insincere flattery
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
- toadyingObsequious behavior seeking favor
- flatteryExcessive insincere praise
servility · bootlicking · pandering · ingratiating · submissiveness · appeasement · capitulation · yielding
Bending forward in deference
- submissionYielding to another's will
- obeisanceGesture of reverence
- prostrationUtter physical or mental depletion
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
reverence · homage · supplication · deference · respect · humility · subservience · vassalage
Satisfying demands to prevent conflict
- concessionYielding a point
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
yielding · surrender · capitulation · submission · backing down · caving · acquiescing · accommodating
sycophancy
Obsequious behavior toward authority
- fawningExcessive insincere flattery
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
- toadyingObsequious behavior seeking favor
flattery · servility · bootlicking · pandering · ingratiating · submissiveness · appeasement · capitulation · yielding · compliance
bowing
Bending forward in deference
- submissionYielding to another's will
- obeisanceGesture of reverence
- prostrationUtter physical or mental depletion
genuflection · reverence · homage · supplication · deference · respect · humility · subservience · vassalage · tribute
appeasement
Satisfying demands to prevent conflict
- concessionYielding a point
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
compromise · yielding · surrender · capitulation · submission · backing down · caving · acquiescing · accommodating · lobbying
kowtowsdefies
Openly resists or challenges
resists · rebels · stands up to · opposes · disobeys
kowtowsstands tall
Exhibits upright pride
asserts oneself · dominates · towers over · lords over · dictates