grovel Meaning, Definition & Usage

Grov"el intransitive verb

Etymology

From OE. grovelinge, grufelinge, adv., on the face, prone, which was misunderstood as a p. pr.; cf. OE. gruf, groff, in the same sense; of Scand. origin, cf. Icel. gr&umac;fa, in &amac; gr&umac;fu on the face, prone, gr&umac;fa to grovel.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Groveled or Grovelled; present participle & verbal noun Groveling or Grovelling

Definitions

1. To creep on the earth, or with the face to the ground; to lie prone, or move uneasily with the body prostrate on the earth; to lie fiat on one's belly, expressive of abjectness; to crawl.

   To creep and grovel on the ground. Dryden.

2. To tend toward, or delight in, what is sensual or base; to be low, abject, or mean.