1. bends one knee to the ground, especially in worship or as a sign of respect
Usage: religious context; formal

Examples

• The worshipper genuflects before entering the pew.
• She genuflects at the altar during Mass.
• The knight genuflects before his king.
• He genuflects as a sign of reverence.
• The congregation genuflects during the prayer.
• She always genuflects when passing the tabernacle.