Prostrate

/ˈprɒstreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To lay (someone) flat on the ground, especially in submission or adoration.

They prostrated themselves before the king, showing their loyalty.

To reduce (someone) to extreme physical weakness.

The illness prostrated him, leaving him unable to get out of bed.

adjective

Lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward.

He lay prostrate on the ground after the long hike, exhausted and panting.

Totally incapable of action; overwhelmed.

The news of the disaster left her feeling prostrate with grief.

From Middle English 'prostrate', from Latin 'prostratus', past participle of 'prostrare', meaning 'to throw down' or 'to stretch out'.

prostrate with surrender

to be completely defeated or overwhelmed, often suggesting submission.

to lie prostrate before someone

to submit fully to someone's authority or power.

prostration

The act of lying flat, often for religious or submissive purposes.

prostrate state

A condition of extreme physical or emotional weakness.

Out for the count

After that workout, I was totally prostrate, just out for the count.

Face down

He hit the ground like he was prostrate after that big fall.