bow to
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To subserviently adhere to (a tradition, etc.).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He declined at first, but when his hosts insisted, he bowed to local custom and played his part in the ritual.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bow to” mean?
To subserviently adhere to (a tradition, etc.).
Is “bow to” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.