prostrate
verb (used with object)
to cast (oneself ) face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration.
were prostrating
-
past progressiveof prostrate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But we must never underestimate a strain of masochism in some people, the desire to bow down to the mighty as if they were prostrating themselves before a deity.
From Salon ● Feb. 18, 2023
The force of the canopy’s collapse also pulled down part of the southern hall and wrenched the tower and minarets over, as though they were prostrating themselves to the street.
From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2011
They were in two rows, and, barefooted, were prostrating themselves in the approved method of the faithful at prayer.
From The Ruby Sword A Romance of Baluchistan by Bertram Mitford
Then the reality was the Queen of Heaven on her throne in the sanctuary, and her court in the glass; not the queens or princes who were prostrating themselves, with the crowd, at her feet.
From Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres by Henry Adams
The ladies were in the parlor, where the female Easterlys were prostrating themselves before Mrs. Vanderpool.
From The Quest of the Silver Fleece A Novel by W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt) Du Bois
