| 释义 |
grov·el
\ˈgrävəl, ˈgrəv-\ intransitive verb
(groveled or grovelled ; groveled or grovelled ; groveling or grovelling \-v(ə)liŋ\ ; grovels)
Etymology: back-formation from groveling (II)
1. : to creep on the earth or with the face to the ground as one's natural gait or manner of locomotion : crawl
< vampires can walk, rather than grovel like other bats — R.L.Ditmars & A.M.Greenhall >
2.
a. : to lie prone, go down on one's knees with the head bent, or drag oneself along with the body prostrate especially in token of complete subservience or abasement or as an act of humiliation
< groveled across the floor to kiss the feet of the sultan — Time >
b. : to abase or humble oneself : display servility : be abject : cringe
< he grovels and is polite to me — O.W.Holmes †1935 >
< grovels in proud self-abasement — V.L.Parrington >
3. : to take delight in or give oneself over to what is base or unworthy : wallow
< here is the petty official groveling in sentimentality — James Stern >
Synonyms: see wallow |