prostration

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion

   The commander's prostration demoralized the squad.

2. 2
   noun

   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.

   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.

3. 3
   noun

   The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength.

   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.

4. 4
   noun

   A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures.

   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.

From Latin prōstrātiō, from prōstrātus, past participle of prōsternō.

Topics