hofieren
Translation
to court, to fawn over, to adulate
Examples
Der Politiker hofiert die Wähler.
The politician courts the voters.
Sie hofiert ihren reichen Onkel.
She fawns over her rich uncle.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to court/fawn over sb. He courts his boss to get promoted.
Similar Words
schmeicheln (to flatter), umschmeicheln (to fawn over)
Etymology
From 'der Hof', meaning '(royal) court'. It literally means to act like a courtier trying to win favour.
Memory Tips
Imagine a courtier at the royal 'Hof' bowing and scraping to impress the king.