prostrate

American  

[pros-treyt] / ˈprɒs treɪt /

verb (used with object)

prostrated, prostrating

1. to cast (oneself ) face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration.

2. to lay flat, as on the ground.

3. to throw down level with the ground.

4. to overthrow, overcome, or reduce to helplessness.

5. to reduce to physical weakness or exhaustion.

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adjective

1. lying flat or at full length, as on the ground.

   Synonyms:

   recumbent, supine, prone

2. lying face down on the ground, as in token of humility, submission, or adoration.

3. overthrown, overcome, or helpless.

   a country left prostrate by natural disasters.

4. physically weak or exhausted.

5. submissive.

6. utterly dejected or depressed; disconsolate.

7. Botany. (of a plant or stem) lying flat on the ground.

prostrate British  

adjective

1. lying with the face downwards, as in submission

2. exhausted physically or emotionally

3. helpless or defenceless

4. (of a plant) growing closely along the ground

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verb

1. to bow or cast (oneself) down, as in submission

2. to lay or throw down flat, as on the ground

3. to make helpless or defenceless

4. to make exhausted

prostrate Scientific  

/ prŏs′trāt′ /

1. Growing flat along the ground. Creeping jenny, pennyroyal, and many species of ivy have a prostrate growth habit.

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Other Word Forms

• prostration noun
• prostrative adjective
• prostrator noun
• unprostrated adjective

Etymology

Origin of prostrate

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the adjective) Middle English prostrat, from Latin prōstrātus “lying flat,” past participle of prōsternere “to lie flat, knock down, overthrow,” from prō- pro- ¹ + sternere “to lay out, stretch, spread”; verb derivative of the adjective

Explanation

The verb prostrate means to lie face-downward in submission or despair. More generally, it means to make helpless or defenseless. Illness, injury, grief, despair — any of these things can prostrate someone. The word prostrate traces back to the Latin word prostratus, meaning “thrown down.” If you are prostrate, you feel thrown down and laid flat. It can describe lying on the ground in a helpless position, or it can be used to describe someone who has been overcome or made unable to function, such as someone who is prostrated by grief or illness.

Example Sentences

Leading robotic urological surgeon Professor Prokar Dasgupta said it felt "almost as if I was there" as he carried out a prostrate removal on Paul Buxton.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Williams’ shift from prostrate grief to helpless amusement hints at hidden dimensions of a character who will always be a couple of steps ahead of the men trying to control her.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

George’s ambitious underlings strive for his intermittent approval and prostrate themselves, enduring petty humiliations only to crawl back and beg for more.

From New York Times • May 30, 2024

Department of Health and Human Services now requires consent for breast, pelvic, prostrate and rectal exams for “educational and training purposes” performed by medical students, nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2024

I rest again at the end of the car, prostrate between the top rails.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• kneel