genuflect vs kowtow

genuflect is not a noun while kowtow is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
genuflect	No	No	Yes	No
kowtow	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, genuflect and kowtow are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of genuflect include scrape.

genuflect (noun)	kowtow (noun)
	a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission

genuflect (verb)	kowtow (verb)
bend the knees and bow in church or before a religious superior or image	try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
bend the knees and bow in a servile manner	bend the knees and bow in a servile manner