1
: lying with the front of your body turned toward the ground
The police found the body in a prostrate position.
a prostrate body
She was lying prostrate on the bed.
2
: so tired, upset, etc., that you are unable to do anything
They were prostrate from/with the heat.
He was prostrate with grief. [=he was completely overcome by grief]
ˈprɑːˌstreɪt 
British prəˈstreɪt
prostrates; prostrated; prostrating
: to make (someone) weak or powerless
—usually used as (be) prostrated
She was prostrated [=overcome] with/by grief.
Cite this Entry
“Prostrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prostrate. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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