Definition of prone
1 : having a tendency or inclination : being likely prone to forget names accident-prone
2a : having the front or ventral surface downwardb : lying flat or prostrate
prone
adverbpronely
adverbPeople Are Reading
Examples of prone in a Sentence
Hull then corralled the rebound and shoveled the puck past the left arm and leg of the prone Hasek with his forehand, touching off a wild on-ice celebration. —Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated, 28 June 1999
I too have been prone on my couch this week, a victim of the common cold. —Flannery O'Connor, letter, 20 Mar. 1961
My almond tree lies prone across the court, blown down by a gale. —Conrad Aiken, letter, 3 Oct. 1930
he was prone to emotional outbursts under stress
quickly subdue the suspect and get him into a prone position
Recent Examples of prone from the Web
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If right-wing voters (such as older men) are less prone to sit out elections, then a populist candidate is more likely to be right-wing.
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Even just blinking more often can help keep your eyes better lubricated and less prone to strain.
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Always prone to mood swings, and especially to fits of depression, Russell maintained his upward climb through medication, therapy and sobriety.
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Trump is prone to thinking out loud even when those thoughts suggest plans that are potentially damaging to the credibility of his office and by extension the country.
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And since DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has just eight ingredients, the colorant-, fragrance- and paraben-free wash never irritated my sensitive skin, which can also be prone to acne and dry spots.
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High surf could also cause flooding in flood-prone coastal areas.
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There is also a high risk of rip currents and high surf along the beaches, which could cause minor flooding in flood-prone coastal areas.
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Just try not to move this one around too much after arranging; kenzans are more prone to coming undone with rough movement.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of prone
Middle English, from Latin pronus bent forward, tending; akin to Latin pro forward — more at for
Synonym Discussion of prone
synonyms see in addition liable
PRONE Defined for English Language Learners
prone
playDefinition of prone for English Language Learners
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: likely to do, have, or suffer from something
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: lying with the front of your body facing downward
PRONE Defined for Kids
prone
playDefinition of prone for Students
1 : likely to be or act a certain way Her dog is prone to laziness.
2 : lying with the front of the body facing downward
Medical Dictionary
prone
playMedical Definition of prone
: having the front or ventral surface downward; especially : lying facedown
prone
adverbLearn More about prone
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See words that rhyme with prone Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prone Spanish Central: Translation of prone Nglish: Translation of prone for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prone for Arabic speakers
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