1. to lower oneself to one knee in worship or as a sign of respect
Usage: religious contexts
2. to show excessive respect or deference to someone
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The parishioners genuflected before entering the pew.
• She genuflected at the altar during the ceremony.
• The knight genuflected before his king.
• He refused to genuflect to his demanding boss.
• The congregation genuflected during the prayer.
• Politicians often genuflect to wealthy donors.
• The altar boy genuflected before lighting the candles.