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prostrate
IPA:
Dictionary definition of prostrate
Lying face down and flat on the ground in a posture of total surrender or defeat.
"The injured animal lay prostrate on the side of the road."
Detailed meaning of prostrate
This can be due to exhaustion, weakness, or reverence, such as when someone prostrates themselves in prayer or submission. Prostrate can also be used as a verb, meaning to lie flat on the ground in a position of submission, humility, or defeat. For example, soldiers may be ordered to prostrate themselves as a sign of surrender, or a person may prostrate themselves in front of a deity or other figure of authority. In some cases, the term prostrate can also be used in a metaphorical sense, to describe a person or organization that is weak, defeated, or lacking in power or influence. Overall, prostrate is a term used to describe a physical position of lying flat on the ground or floor, and can also carry connotations of submission, reverence, or weakness.
Example sentences containing prostrate
1. After the battle, the soldiers lay prostrate on the battlefield.
2. The defeated boxer fell prostrate in the ring, unable to continue.
3. She found him prostrate on the floor, overcome with grief.
4. The news of the tragedy left her prostrate with sorrow.
5. The yoga pose required participants to lie prostrate on the mat.
6. He lay prostrate in prayer, seeking solace in his faith.
History and etymology of prostrate
The adjective 'prostrate' has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'prostratus,' which is the past participle of 'prosternere.' This Latin term can be broken down into two components: 'pro,' meaning 'forward' or 'down,' and 'sternere,' meaning 'to stretch out' or 'to lay flat.' Thus, the etymology of 'prostrate' effectively conveys the idea of being laid flat or stretched out with the face down, symbolizing a posture of complete surrender or defeat. This word captures the image of someone or something brought to a position of submission or helplessness, lying prone on the ground, and has been used metaphorically to describe a state of extreme vulnerability or powerlessness.
Further usage examples of prostrate
1. The intense heat left him prostrate on the desert floor.
2. The weight of the burden made him feel prostrate with exhaustion.
3. She couldn't move, feeling utterly prostrate from illness.
4. The sight of the majestic mountains left him prostrate in awe.
5. In the scorching sun, the hiker became prostrate from heatstroke.
6. The patient remained prostrate in the hospital bed after surgery.
7. The defeat in the championship left the team prostrate with disappointment.
8. The harsh criticism from the crowd made her feel prostrate with shame.
9. He lay prostrate before the king, a sign of submission.
10. The funeral procession passed by, leaving mourners prostrate with grief.
11. The weight of guilt made him feel prostrate in remorse.
12. The monk meditated in a prostrate position for hours.
13. The exhaustion of the marathon left runners prostrate at the finish line.
14. He lay prostrate before the judge, begging for mercy.
15. The hot sun made him feel weak and he had to lie prostrate on the ground.
16. The soldier lay prostrate on the battlefield, unable to move.
17. She felt so dizzy and sick that she had to lie prostrate on the couch.
18. The yoga teacher instructed us to lie prostrate on the mat for relaxation.
19. He was so exhausted after the long hike that he had to lie prostrate on the ground to rest.
20. The patient had to lie prostrate for several hours after the procedure.
21. The heatwave was so intense that people were lying prostrate in the shade.
22. The exhausted athletes lay prostrate on the field after the game.
23. She lay prostrate on her bed, too sick to move.
24. The monk instructed us to lie prostrate as a sign of respect and humility.
25. The sunbather lay prostrate on the beach, enjoying the warmth and breeze.
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SAT 9 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Shuffle and Shift, Space and Positioning
horizontal,overwhelmed,prone,recumbent,subdued,submissive,supine
crushed,defeated,flat,helpless,sprawling
Synonyms for prostrate
Quiz categories containing prostrate
prone, upright, standing, erect
eb68db_c85321761a3b41509eb0e4fdc76291b6.mp3