servile

adjective ser·vile \ˈsər-vəl, -ˌvī(-ə)l\

: very obedient and trying too hard to please someone

Full Definition of SERVILE

: of or befitting a slave or a menial position

: meanly or cravenly submissive : abject

— ser·vile·ly \-və(l)-lē, -ˌvī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

— ser·vile·ness \-vəl-nəs, -ˌvī(-ə)l-\ noun

— ser·vil·i·ty \(ˌ)sər-ˈvi-lə-tē\ noun

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Origin of SERVILE

Middle English, from Anglo-French servil, from Latin servilis, from servus slave

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SERVILE

Synonyms: base, humble, menial, abject, slavish

Synonym Discussion of SERVILE

subservient, servile, slavish, obsequious mean showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience. subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position <domestic help was expected to be properly subservient>. servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave <a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on>. slavish suggests abject or debased servility <the slavish status of migrant farm workers>. obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner <waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities>.