prostration

American  

[pro-strey-shuhn] / prɒˈstreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of prostrating.

2. the state of being prostrated.

3. extreme mental or emotional depression or dejection.

   nervous prostration.

4. extreme physical weakness or exhaustion.

   heat prostration.

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Etymology

Origin of prostration

1520–30; < Late Latin prōstrātiōn- (stem of prōstrātiō ) a lying prone. See prostrate, -ion

Explanation

If you throw yourself at your mom's feet and beg forgiveness for breaking curfew, that's prostration. Many religious rituals include various forms of prostration, or lying face-downward in a submissive way. When a Catholic kneels to pray in church, or a Muslim bows his head to touch the ground during prayers, it's an act of prostration, or making yourself humble before a god or religious figure. In Hinduism, touching the feet of a guru (or teacher) is a sign of respect, and also a form of prostration. The source of this noun is the adjective prostrate, literally "lying face-down," from the Latin prosternere, "throw down."

Example Sentences

"Understanding concepts such as ghusl – ablution – the distinctions in prostration between genders, and the prerequisites for prayer are crucial."

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2025

With his thick beard, heavy-rimmed glasses and a prominent bruise on his forehead from prostration in prayer, he was notoriously prickly and pedantic.

From Washington Times • Aug. 2, 2022

Most worshippers brought their own prayer rugs and clay tablets used during prostration, said the broadcast.

From Reuters • Oct. 22, 2021

One newspaper covering a local 1831 Anti-Masonic convention highlighted the now increasingly popular view “that Antimasonry had other and higher objects in view than the prostration of the Masonic fraternity.”

From Slate • May 15, 2015

“Of nervous prostration following on great loss or waste of blood.”

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker