To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of prostrate
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
prostrate
verbprostrated; prostrating
Definition of prostrate (Entry 2 of 2)
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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share prostrate
Time Traveler for prostrate
The first known use of prostrate was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century