Obsequious

/əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Ready to obsequiously comply with the wishes of others; overly eager to please or obey.

The manager's obsequious assistant always agreed with her, no matter how unreasonable her requests were.

Excessively deferential or ingratiating.

His obsequious behavior towards the wealthy clients made it clear that he was more interested in their money than their friendship.

Characterized by servility or subservience.

The obsequious nature of the attendees at the conference seemed to flatter the keynote speaker excessively.

From Latin 'obsequiosus', meaning 'compliant, obedient'.

obsequious flattery

Excessive or insincere praise designed to win favor.

obsequious behavior

Actions that are excessively eager to please or serve others.

sycophant

A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.

toady

A person who flatters or defers to others for personal gain.

Brown-noser

He's such a brown-noser, always trying to ingratiate himself with the boss.

Bootlicker

Everyone knows he's a bootlicker, always running errands for the management.