1. to show excessive respect or submission to someone in authority
Usage: past tense of kowtow
2. to kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission
Usage: past tense of kowtow; traditional Chinese custom

Examples

• The employees kotowed to their demanding boss.
• He kotowed to the wealthy donors at the fundraiser.
• She refused to be kotowed to by her subordinates.
• The ambassador kotowed before the emperor.
• They kotowed to public pressure and changed their policy.
• The courtiers kotowed in the traditional manner.
• He kotowed to avoid confrontation with his critics.