1. to show excessive respect or submission to someone in authority
Usage: often disapproving
2. to kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission
Usage: historical; referring to Chinese custom

1. an act of kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead
Usage: historical; referring to Chinese custom

Examples

• The senator refused to kotow to the lobbyists.
• She won’t kotow to her demanding boss anymore.
• The ambassador performed a kotow before the emperor.
• He felt the company expected employees to kotow to management.
• The traditional kotow was a sign of deep respect.
• They criticized him for kotowing to popular opinion.
• The ritual kotow was part of the ancient ceremony.