Prostration is the placement of the body in a reverentially or submissively prone position as a gesture. Typically prostration is distinguished from the lesser acts of bowing or kneeling by involving a part of the body above the knee touching the ground, especially the hands.

What does prostrating oneself mean?

: to lie down with one's face turned toward the ground The worshippers prostrated themselves before the shrine.

What prostration means?

1a : the act of assuming a prostrate position. b : the state of being in a prostrate position : abasement. 2a : complete physical or mental exhaustion : collapse. b : the process of being made powerless or the condition of powerlessness the country suffered economic prostration after the war.