First Known Use: 1552
Dictionary
grovel
verb grov·el \ˈgrä-vəl, ˈgrə-\
: to kneel, lie, or crawl on the ground
: to treat someone with too much respect or fear in a way that shows weakness in order to be forgiven or to gain approval or favor
grov·eled or grov·elledgrov·el·ing or grov·el·ling
Full Definition of GROVEL
intransitive verb
1
: to creep with the face to the ground : crawl
2
a : to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or abasement b : to abase oneself
3
: to give oneself over to what is base or unworthy : wallow <groveling in self-pity>
— grov·el·er \-vəl-ər\ noun
— grov·el·ing·ly \-vəl-iŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of GROVEL
back-formation from groveling prone, from groveling, adverb, from Middle English, from gruf, adverb, on the face (from Old Norse ā grūfu) + -ling
Rhymes with GROVEL
GROVELING Defined for Kids
grovel
verb grov·el \ˈgrä-vəl, ˈgrə-\
grov·eled or grov·elledgrov·el·ing or grov·el·ling
Definition of GROVEL for Kids
1
: to kneel, lie, or crawl on the ground (as in fear)
2
: to act toward someone in a weak or humble way <He groveled before the king.>
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