genuflect

• Verbe signifiant fléchir un genou, généralement en signe d'adoration ou de respect, ou au sens figuré, témoigner d'une déférence ou d'une soumission excessive.

A verb meaning to bend one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect, or figuratively to show excessive deference or submission.

1. Bend the kneeC1formal

   To bend one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect.

   Fléchir le genou

   • The worshippers genuflected before the altar.
   • He genuflected as he entered the cathedral.
   • In some traditions, you genuflect when passing the tabernacle.

   Synonymesbowcurtsykneelstoop

2. Show deferenceC2formal

   To show excessive respect or submission to someone or something.

   S'agenouiller par déférence

   • The politician genuflected to the party leaders.
   • Critics accused him of genuflecting to corporate interests.
   • She refused to genuflect to outdated traditions.

   Synonymesbowcringedeferfawngrovelkowtowsubmittoadytruckleyield

   Antonymesconfrontdefyresist