Blog

Prostrate

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Lying stretched out on the ground, typically in a position of submission or exhaustion.
2. Completely overwhelmed or defeated by a powerful force or emotion.
3. Lacking energy or vitality, often due to illness or extreme fatigue.
4. To lie flat or stretch out in a position of physical weakness or helplessness.

History and Origin

The word “prostrate” comes from the Latin prostratus, which means “to stretch out” or “to lay flat.” It has been used in English since the early 15th century to describe the act of lying down in submission or exhaustion. Historically, it was often associated with acts of reverence, such as prostrating oneself in prayer or before a ruler. Over time, it broadened to encompass more general meanings of lying down due to weakness or fatigue.

Detailed Explanation

“Prostrate” is most commonly used to describe a physical position where an individual is lying flat on their stomach, often due to exhaustion, illness, or submission. This position may indicate a lack of energy or power. In a more figurative sense, to be “prostrate” can mean to be emotionally or mentally overwhelmed, such as when someone is prostrated by grief or stress. The term is frequently used in both medical and emotional contexts to describe individuals who are physically weakened or mentally defeated.

Example Sentences

1. After the long hike, he collapsed prostrate on the ground, too exhausted to move.
2. She felt prostrate with grief after hearing the sad news about her friend.
3. The patient was prostrate in bed for days after the surgery.
4. His prostrate position on the battlefield symbolized the defeat of his army.
5. The heat made the soldiers prostrate under the sun, unable to continue marching.
6. The constant pressure at work left him feeling emotionally prostrate.
7. He was prostrate with shock after the unexpected turn of events.
8. The elderly man was prostrate on the floor, unable to get up after falling.
9. She prostrated herself before the king in an act of homage.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Lying down – A more general term for being in a horizontal position, which could be voluntary or due to exhaustion.
2. Flat – Describing a position where something is level or horizontal, often used in relation to the body.
3. Overcome – To be completely overwhelmed by an emotion or physical state, similar to being prostrate.
4. Reclining – Lying back in a relaxed position, often used when referring to rest or relaxation.
5. Collapsed – To fall down suddenly due to weakness or exhaustion, often associated with prostration.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Exhausted – Feeling extremely tired or worn out, often leading to a prostrate position.
2. Weak – Lacking strength or energy, often leading to prostration.
3. Submissive – Yielding to authority or control, often metaphorically associated with being prostrate in submission.
4. Defeated – Overcome or crushed by a force or emotion, often implying a state of being prostrate.
5. Surrendered – To give up or yield, often symbolized by a prostrate position in submission.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Prone – Lying face down, similar to prostrate but not necessarily indicating weakness.
2. Fallen – Having collapsed or been brought down, often due to physical or emotional reasons.
3. Languid – Lacking energy or vitality, similar to the state of being prostrate.
4. Flattened – Completely pressed down, which can be used metaphorically to describe a state of being prostrate.
5. Supine – Lying face upward, the opposite of prostrate, but related in terms of being in a position of rest or weakness.

Antonyms

1. Upright
2. Standing
3. Alert
4. Energetic
5. Active