prostrate
to cast (oneself) face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration.
to lay flat, as on the ground.
to throw down level with the ground.
to overthrow, overcome, or reduce to helplessness.
to reduce to physical weakness or exhaustion.
lying flat or at full length, as on the ground.
lying face down on the ground, as in token of humility, submission, or adoration.
overthrown, overcome, or helpless: a country left prostrate by natural disasters.
physically weak or exhausted.
utterly dejected or depressed; disconsolate.
Botany. (of a plant or stem) lying flat on the ground.
Origin of prostrate
1Other words for prostrate
Other words from prostrate
- pros·tra·tive [pros-truh-tiv], /ˈprɒs trə tɪv/, adjective
- pros·tra·tor, noun
- un·pros·trat·ed, adjective
Words that may be confused with prostrate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use prostrate in a sentence
Prostrating myself on the examining table, I tried not to flinch as she zapped my scores of clogged pores.
Prostrating himself but once, and with scanty ceremony, he stood erect to deliver his tidings in frank bluff tones.
Sarchedon | G. J. (George John) Whyte-MelvilleProstrating myself at his feet, I implored his pardon, and offered my turban-cloth to staunch the heavy spurts of blood.
Autobiography of a YOGI | Paramhansa YoganandaProstrating himself on the ground, he asked the spirits name.
A History of Chinese Literature | Herbert A. GilesProstrating herself before the altar, she remained long in prayer.
Agnes Strickland's Queens of England, Vol. II. (of III) | Rosalie Kaufman
Prostrating themselves before Juanna and Otter they remained plunged in silence.
The People Of The Mist | H. Rider Haggard
British Dictionary definitions for prostrate
lying with the face downwards, as in submission
exhausted physically or emotionally
helpless or defenceless
(of a plant) growing closely along the ground
to bow or cast (oneself) down, as in submission
to lay or throw down flat, as on the ground
to make helpless or defenceless
to make exhausted
Origin of prostrate
1Derived forms of prostrate
- prostration, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for prostrate
[ prŏs′trāt′ ]
Growing flat along the ground. Creeping jenny, pennyroyal, and many species of ivy have a prostrate growth habit.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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