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prostrate

Definition of prostrate

1lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downwards: there was a man praying before an idol, lying prostrate they surged forward around the prostrate figure on the ground
[predic.] completely overcome or helpless, especially with distress or exhaustion:his wife was prostrate with shock

2 Botany growing along the ground: mats of prostrate herbs can be used to break up expanses of soil

[with object]

1 (prostrate oneself) throw oneself flat on the ground so as to be lying face downwards, especially in reverence or submission:she prostrated herself on the bare floor of the church

2reduce (someone) to extreme physical weakness:she was so prostrated by migraine that she could scarcely totter up the stairs to bed

Origin:

Middle English: from Latin prostratus 'thrown down', past participle of prosternere, from pro- 'before' + sternere 'lay flat'

Definition of prostrate in the US English dictionary

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