1. showing excessive respect or submission to someone in authority
Usage: often disapproving
2. performing the traditional Chinese act of kneeling and touching the ground with one’s forehead as a sign of respect
Usage: historical; cultural

Examples

• The employees were tired of kotowing to their demanding boss.
• She refused to spend her career kotowing to corporate executives.
• The ambassador was kotowing to the emperor in the traditional ceremony.
• He accused his colleague of kotowing to get the promotion.
• The courtiers were kotowing before the throne.
• Stop kotowing and stand up for your principles.
• The ancient ritual involved kotowing three times.