prostration — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying face-down), as a sign of humility.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

2. A part of the ordination of Catholic and Orthodox priests, in which the ordinand lies prostrate in a gesture of submission to the will of God.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The ordination ceremony includes a variety of rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., the prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, and sign of peace. — Diocese of Rochester, NY

3. The state of lying face down (prone).

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

4. The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   I slept after the prostration of the day, with a stringent and profound slumber which not even the nightmares that wrung me could avail to break.

5. A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   sujud

   Examples

   Their faith can be seen in their mannerisms on the pitch – cupping hands in silent pre-kick-off prayer or prostration after hitting the back of the net.

Noun

1. an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion

   Synonyms

   collapse

   Broader terms

   illnessunwellnessmaladysickness

   Examples

   the commander's prostration demoralized his men

2. abject submission; the emotional equivalent of prostrating your body

   Broader terms

   submissioncompliance

3. the act of assuming a prostrate position

   Broader terms

   motionmovementmovemotility