I. ˈprä-ˌstrāt adjective
Etymology: Middle English prostrat, from Anglo-French, from Latin prostratus, past participle of prosternere, from pro- before + sternere to spread out, throw down — more at strew
Date: 14th century
1. : stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission ; also : lying flat
2. : completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise
was prostrate from the heat
3. : trailing on the ground : procumbent
prostrate shrubs
Synonyms: see prone
II. ˈprä-ˌstrāt, especially Brit prä-ˈ transitive verb
( pros·trat·ed ; pros·trat·ing )
Date: 15th century
1. : to throw or put into a prostrate position
2. : to put (oneself) in a humble and submissive posture or state
the whole town had to prostrate itself in official apology — Claudia Cassidy
3. : to reduce to submission, helplessness, or exhaustion
was prostrated with grief