What does "prostration" mean?
The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying face-down), as a sign of humility.
Prostration
/pɹɒsˈtɹeɪʃən/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying face-down), as a sign of humility.
- Grammar: prostration is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: collapse, abasement, accubation, accumbency.
- Useful contrasts: defiance, dignity, pride.
- Usage evidence: Even the knowledge that he had succeeded where the police of three countries had failed, and that he had outmanoeuvred at every point the most accomplished swindler in Europe, was insufficient to rouse him from his nervous prostration.
How to use "prostration"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prostration" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prostration" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prostration" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prostration" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "collapse" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prostration", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying face-down), as a sign of humility. countable, uncountable
- 2 the act of assuming a prostrate position wordnet
- 3 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. countable, uncountable
"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"
- 4 abject submission; the emotional equivalent of prostrating your body wordnet
- 5 The state of lying face down (prone). countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion wordnet
- 7 The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength. countable, uncountable
"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."
- 8 A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures. countable, uncountable
"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."
Proper Noun
- 1 The 32nd sura (chapter) of the Qur'an.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Even the knowledge that he had succeeded where the police of three countries had failed, and that he had outmanoeuvred at every point the most accomplished swindler in Europe, was insufficient to rouse him from his nervous prostration."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prostration"?
Common synonyms include: collapse, abasement, accubation, accumbency, aching heart, adoration.
How do you use "prostration" in a sentence?
Even the knowledge that he had succeeded where the police of three countries had failed, and that he had outmanoeuvred at every point the most accomplished swindler in Europe, was insufficient to rouse him from his nervous prostration.
How do you pronounce "prostration"?
Pronounced /pɹɒsˈtɹeɪʃən/.
Etymology
From Latin prōstrātiō, from prōstrātus, past participle of prōsternō.