Definition

Verb: 1. To show submission or fear: To behave in an extremely humble or submissive way, often by lying or kneeling on the ground, especially to gain forgiveness or favor from someone more powerful. 2. To degrade oneself: To act in a way that is undignified or shamefully servile.

Usage

The verb "grovel" describes a physical or metaphorical act of extreme submission. It is typically used to criticize someone's lack of self-respect when they are trying desperately to please or appease another person, often out of fear or a desire for forgiveness. It is a strong, negative word.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Grovel at someone's feet": To show extreme submission physically.
  • The servant groveled at the king's feet, begging for mercy.
• "Grovel in the dirt/mud": Literally to lie face down on the ground; often used metaphorically for extreme humiliation.
  • The scandal forced the politician to grovel in the dirt before the public.

Variants and Related Words

• Groveler (noun): A person who grovels.
  • He was seen as a shameless groveler by his colleagues.
• Grovelling (adjective, chiefly British spelling) / Grovelling (adjective, American spelling): Behaving in a groveling manner.
  • His groveling apology was not sincere.

Synonyms

• Fawn: To flatter or show affection in an exaggerated way to gain favor.
• Kowtow: To act in an obsequious manner (from the Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead).
• Prostrate oneself: To lie stretched out on the ground face downward, especially in reverence or submission.
• Toady: To behave in a sycophantic way.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

• Grovel to/before someone: To act submissively toward a specific person.
  • He refused to grovel to his new boss, even if it cost him his job.

Related Idioms

• "Grovel and beg": A common pairing emphasizing both the submissive posture and the verbal pleas.
  • He had to grovel and beg to get back into her good graces.

Verb

1. show submission or fear