to bend down; to bow down; to prostrate oneself
to hide oneself
敗れた武士は地に伏した。
The defeated warrior prostrated himself on the ground.
彼は深々と伏して助けを懇願した。
He bowed deeply and prostrated himself, pleading for help.
巡礼者は聖なる神殿の奥で静かに伏す。
The pilgrim quietly prostrates himself deep within the sacred shrine.