servility

[/sərˈvɪləti/]
noun
servilismo
1. the quality or state of being servile; excessive obedience or submissiveness to authority
The employee's servility towards the boss was uncomfortable to witness.
O servilismo do funcionário em relação ao chefe era desconfortável de testemunhar.
2. lack of independence or self-respect; willingness to act in a degrading manner for approval
His servility prevented him from standing up for his own beliefs.
Seu servilismo impediu que ele defendesse suas próprias convicções.
3. the condition or status of being a slave or in bondage
Centuries of servility ended with the abolition of slavery.
Séculos de servidão terminaram com a abolição da escravidão.
In Brazilian corporate culture, servility is often criticized as a remnant of hierarchical colonial attitudes. The term is frequently used in political discourse and labor discussions to criticize excessive deference to authority figures. In American English, it carries strong negative connotations, associated with loss of personal agency and dignity.
NYC Slang
bootlicking, kissing up, being a yes-man
Synonyms / Sinônimos
obsequiousnesssubserviencesubmissivenessslavishnessdeferencedocilitysycophancy
Antonyms / Antônimos
independencedignitypridedefianceassertivenessautonomy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
servilismo
most common and widely understood term
General Brazilian
servidão
alternative form, emphasizes slavery or bondage aspect
Portugal
servilismo
same as Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
servilidade
less common but acceptable variant

Related Words

servileservantservitudesubservientobsequioussubordinate

Related Idioms & Phrases

servility knows no bounds
act with servility
display servility
show servility towards someone
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