adulate, v.
(ˈædjʊleɪt)
[f. L. adūlāt- ppl. stem of adūlā-ri to fawn upon like a dog, to flatter servilely. Cf. Fr. adul-er, used since the 15th c.]
To flatter basely or slavishly; to do servile or indiscriminating homage to.
| 1777 Dalrymple Trav. Spain & Port. xxxix, The way to preferment here is by..adulating some superior, who probably is a despicable character. 1794 D'Israeli Curios. Lit. (1848) I. 154 He actually condescended..to adulate the unworthy Christina of Sweden. 1858 Times 12 Nov. 7/3 Adoring and adulating absolute monarchy. 1880 W. S. Gilbert Patience i. 9 What is there to adulate in me! Am I particularly intelligent? |