groveling — acting in an obsequiously servile manner in order to obtain forgiveness or favor

an employee kneels on the floor with hands clasped together, bowing deeply toward his boss's feet. His face shows desperate fear and submission as he begs for mercy after making a terrible mistake. The boss sits rigidly in his large leather chair, looking down coldly at the groveling worker. The employee's posture becomes even lower as he practically touches the floor with his forehead. Other office workers peek through the doorway with shocked expressions at the humiliating display. acting in an obsequiously servile manner in order to obtain forgiveness or favor