prostration

C2 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /pɹɒsˈtɹeɪʃən/ See IPA manual

Freq #88316

Meanings

1

noun
an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion

The commander's prostration demoralized the squad.
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

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

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.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · an abrupt failure of... collapse

4 noun · a reverential bow performed... sujud

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

heat prostration
Severe physical weakness or exhaustion caused by excessive heat.

Noun + noun

Etymology

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

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# prostration

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /pɹɒsˈtɹeɪʃən/
**Frequency rank:** 88316

## Meanings
1. an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
2. 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.
3. The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength.
4. A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures.

## Examples
- The commander's prostration demoralized the squad.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

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

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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