prone
adj. · v.-
1 likely to experience something (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatelikely to do something or suffer from something, especially something bad.
having a natural inclination or tendency toward a particular condition or action, typically one that is negative or disadvantageous.
ExampleHe is prone to headaches when he works too long at the computer.
ExampleThe region is particularly prone to flash flooding during the monsoon season, requiring residents to maintain constant vigilance.
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'to' and a noun or a gerund.
PitfallHe is prone for accidents.He is prone to accidents.The adjective 'prone' is followed by the preposition 'to', not 'for'.
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2 lying face down (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Medicinelying flat on your front with your face pointing downwards.
lying in a horizontal position with the front of the body facing the ground.
ExampleThe patient was placed in a prone position to help them breathe more easily.
ExampleThe instructor demonstrated how to achieve a stable prone position on the mats before the trainees began the target practice session.
UsageOften used in medical or military contexts to describe body position.
- prostrate
- face down
- supine
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3 to place face down (v.) C2 Proficiency Technical Medicineto put someone into a position where they are lying on their front.
to place a person in a face-down position, especially for medical treatment.
ExampleThe nurses had to prone the patient every few hours to prevent skin problems.
ExampleClinical guidelines suggest that medical staff should prone patients with severe respiratory distress to improve oxygenation levels in the blood.
UsageThis is a transitive verb used almost exclusively in clinical settings.
- supinate
From Middle English prone, proone, proon, from Latin prōnus (“turned forward, bent or inclined”), from prō (“forward”).