prostrate
UK: /ˈprɒs.treɪt/ | US: /ˈprɑː.streɪt/
adj. lying stretched out on the ground, typically face downward
vt. to lay oneself flat on the ground in submission or adoration
adj. physically or emotionally exhausted; overcome
prostrate = pro<forward> + strate<to spread>
- pro (Latin prō-, meaning "forward" or "in front of")
- strate (Latin sternere, meaning "to spread" or "to lay flat")
Etymology Origin:
The word prostrate originates from Latin prosternere, combining pro- ("forward") and sternere ("to spread"). It originally described the act of throwing oneself flat on the ground in reverence or submission. Over time, it evolved to describe both physical posture (lying face down) and metaphorical states (exhaustion or defeat). The imagery of "spreading forward" captures the literal and figurative surrender implied by the word.
The worshippers prostrated themselves before the altar.
After the marathon, he felt utterly prostrate with fatigue.
The storm left the crops prostrate in the fields.
She was prostrate with grief after the loss.
The soldiers were ordered to prostrate as a sign of surrender.