Definition of grovel

The word "grovel" has a fascinating etymology. It originated in the 15th century from the Old English word "grōvan," which means "to dig" or "to burrow." Initially, the word referred to animals, such as worms or insects, that move by digging through soil. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe human actions, like crawling or crawling on all fours. In the 17th century, the word's connotation shifted to convey a sense of humiliating or degrading oneself, often in a physical or humiliating manner. This meaning is derived from the idea of someone lowering themselves to the ground, as if they were crawling or burrowing. Today, the word "grovel" typically means to act in a subservient or humbled manner, often in a way that is considered undignified or embarrassing.