prostration

• Nom désignant un état d'épuisement physique extrême ou de perte totale de forces, ainsi que l'action de s'étendre à plat ventre sur le sol, souvent comme geste de soumission ou d'humilité.

A noun referring to a state of extreme physical exhaustion or complete loss of strength, or the act of lying flat on the ground, often as a gesture of submission or humility.

1. Physical exhaustion or collapseC1formal

   A state of extreme physical weakness or the sudden failure of bodily functions, often due to illness or overwork.

   Prostration (épuisement physique)

   • The patient was diagnosed with nervous prostration after weeks of intense stress.
   • Heat prostration can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
   • He collapsed from sheer prostration after running the marathon.

   Synonymesbreakdowncollapsedebilityenervationexhaustionfatiguelanguorweakness

2. Abject submission or humilityC2formal

   An act of showing complete submission, humility, or emotional surrender, often by lying face down.

   Prostration

   • The defeated general made a prostration before the conqueror.
   • In some cultures, prostration is a sign of deep respect or worship.
   • His prostration before the king was a gesture of total submission.

   Synonymesabasementcringingfawninggrovelinghumilitykowtowobeisanceservilitysubmissionsubmissiveness

   Antonymesassertiondefiancedominancerebellionresistance

3. Act of lying face downB2formal

   The physical act of lying flat on the ground, face downward, often as a gesture of worship, submission, or exhaustion.

   Prostration (action de se coucher face contre terre)

   • The worshipper performed a full prostration during the prayer.
   • Prostration is a common posture in certain yoga practices.
   • He assumed a prostration position to show his deep regret.