Truckle

To submit or yield to someone in a subservient or compliant manner; to behave in a way that shows excessive deference or servility. The implication is often of doing so in a way that is undignified or beneath one's station, often for personal gain or advantage. It can also describe the wheels on which something can be moved. It suggests a kind of bending of the knee, both literally and figuratively, in the face of perceived authority or power.

Truckle meaning with examples

• The ambitious young politician was known to truckle to the wealthy donors, always agreeing with their opinions to secure financial backing for his campaigns. His willingness to compromise his own beliefs made many question his integrity. This subservience was clear for all to see.
• Despite his principles, he chose to truckle to his boss's demands, knowing that a promotion was on the line. He swallowed his pride and did as he was told, regardless of the ethical implications. The job security outweighed the integrity.
• The smaller nations felt pressured to truckle to the larger, more powerful empires, accepting unfavorable trade agreements in order to avoid military conflict or economic sanctions. The imbalance of power made them bow down.
• The king was frustrated at the knights who would truckle to him. He wanted them to show some fight and disagree from time to time. He wanted to keep his court from becoming weak and spineless.
• The moving company used a special truckle on its furniture to get the items into place, allowing for easy movement.