genuflect

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛnjʊflɛkt/

verb

[no object]
  • lower one’s body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship or as a sign of respect.
  • show deference or servility: politicians had to genuflect to the far left to advance their careers

Derivatives

genuflection

Pronunciation: /-ˈflɛkʃ(ə)n/
(also genuflexion) noun

genuflector

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century (in the sense 'bend (the knee')): from ecclesiastical Latin genuflectere, from Latin genu 'knee' + flectere 'to bend'