prescribe

verb

pre·​scribe pri-ˈskrīb How to pronounce prescribe (audio)
prescribed; prescribing

intransitive verb

1
: to lay down a rule : dictate
2
[Middle English, from Medieval Latin praescribere, from Latin, to write at the beginning] : to claim a title to something by right of prescription
3
: to write or give medical prescriptions
4
: to become by prescription invalid or unenforceable

transitive verb

1
a
: to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action : ordain
b
: to specify with authority
2
: to designate or order the use of as a remedy
prescribed a painkiller
a prescribed burn to restore natural forest conditions
prescriber noun

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Proscribe vs. Prescribe

Proscribe and prescribe each have a Latin-derived prefix that means "before" attached to the verb "scribe" (from scribere, meaning "to write"). Yet the two words have very distinct, often nearly opposite meanings. Why? In a way, you could say it's the law. In the 15th and 16th centuries both words had legal implications. To proscribe was to publish the name of a person who had been condemned, outlawed, or banished. To prescribe meant "to lay down a rule," including legal rules or orders.

Examples of prescribe in a Sentence

This drug should not be prescribed to children. a drug commonly prescribed to treat rashes The doctor prescribed three months of physical therapy for my leg injury. The law prescribes a prison sentence of at least five years for the crime. The regulations prescribe that all employees must pass a physical examination. We must follow the rules as prescribed by the government.
Recent Examples on the Web Combined with meditation, exercise, and meds for my anxiety, the Adderall I’ve been prescribed has improved my life. Krista Stevens, Longreads, 13 Mar. 2024 In the meantime, providers who prescribe gender-affirming hormones and other treatment for trans people continue to communicate with patients directly about any potential risks. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 11 Mar. 2024 Only take pills that were prescribed by your doctor and came from a licensed pharmacy. Jan Hoffman, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 In a commercial spot released Thursday, the company criticizes people who prescribe or take weight loss drugs without an obesity diagnosis. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 There is also the potential for harmful interactions with drugs sometimes prescribed for children’s allergic reactions. Amanda Musa, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Last year, the Drug Enforcement Administration shut down the telehealth practice of at least one physician who prescribed ketamine nationwide. Darius Tahir, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 Spironolactone is another blood pressure drug that’s been shown to have anti-androgen effects (which is why it’s commonly prescribed as an off-label treatment for hormonal acne). Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024 The online ads promote services, generally via telehealth, that prescribe ketamine — often in a lozenge prepared by a compounding pharmacy. Darius Tahir, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prescribe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order, from prae- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescribe was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prescribe

Cite this Entry

“Prescribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescribe. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prescribe

verb
pre·​scribe pri-ˈskrīb How to pronounce prescribe (audio)
prescribed; prescribing
1
: to lay down as a rule of action
the route that was prescribed
2
: to order or direct the use of something as a remedy
the doctor prescribed an antibiotic
prescriber noun

Medical Definition

prescribe

verb
pre·​scribe pri-ˈskrīb How to pronounce prescribe (audio)
prescribed; prescribing

intransitive verb

: to write or give medical prescriptions

transitive verb

: to designate or order the use of as a remedy
prescribe a drug

Legal Definition

prescribe

verb
pre·​scribe pri-ˈskrīb How to pronounce prescribe (audio)
prescribed; prescribing

intransitive verb

1
: to claim title or a right to something (as an easement) by prescription
a precarious possessor cannot prescribe against the owner
2
in the civil law of Louisiana : to become unenforceable or invalid by prescription
any party having an interest in a money judgment may have it revived before it prescribesLouisiana Civil Code

transitive verb

1
: to lay down as a rule or guide : specify with authority
the times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereofU.S. Constitution art. I
2
in the civil law of Louisiana : to invalidate or bar the enforcement of by prescription
this claim for damages shall not be prescribed so long as the minor's right of action exists against his tutorLouisiana Civil Code

More from Merriam-Webster on prescribe

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