kneelkneel /nil/ verb (past tense and past participle knelt /nelt/ or kneeled) also kneel down
► kneel also kneel down
► kneel also kneel down to put your knees on the ground so that they are supporting your body: She kneeled down to pray. He was kneeling by the tub and giving the baby a bath.
► squat also squat down to bend your knees so that your body is near the ground, supported on the backs of your legs: I squatted by the stream and washed my hands.
► crouch also crouch down to bend your knees with one foot slightly in front of the other foot and lean forward, so your body is close to the ground: The girl crouched down behind a parked car to avoid being hit by the snowballs.
➔ see bend1