kowtow

(noun) a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission. Synonyms: kotow.

(verb) bend the knees and bow in a servile manner. Synonyms: scrape, genuflect.

(verb) try to gain favor by cringing or flattering. Synonyms: fawn, toady, truckle, bootlick, kotow, suck up. Examples: "He is always kowtowing to his boss."