/ ˈgrɒvl; NAmE ˈgrɑːvl/ verb ( -ll- , NAmE -l- ) [ v ]
1.
grovel (to sb) (for sth) ( disapproving ) to behave in a very humble way towards sb who is more important than you or who can give you sth you want
SYN crawl
2.
[+ adv. / prep. ] to move along the ground on your hands and knees, especially because you are looking for sth
► grov·el·ling ( BrE ) ( NAmE grov·el·ing ) adjective [ only before noun ]:
a grovelling letter of apology
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : back-formation from the obsolete adverb grovelling , from obsolete groof , grufe the face or front (in the phrase on grufe , from Old Norse á grúfu face downwards) + the suffix -ling .