prescribe

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verb pre·scribe \ pri-ˈskrīb \

Definition of prescribe

prescribed; prescribing

intransitive verb

1 :to lay down a rule :dictate

[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

See prescribe defined for English-language learners

See prescribe defined for kids

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 of prescribe from the Web

In lieu of antidepressants, psychiatrists might prescribe listening to this sound on a loop, so mood boosting are its properties.

— rebecca keegan, HWD, "RuPaul, Hardest-Working Drag Queen in Show Business, Eyes Emmy Gold," 21 Aug. 2017
In October, the sheriff's office said tests indicated the newborn's parents were Hispanic and that her mother was taking a medication prescribed for epilepsy or bipolar disorder.

— chicago tribune staff, Wheaton Glen Ellyn, "A year after newborn's body was found near Wheaton, officials still seeking her parents," 16 Aug. 2017
The penalties prescribed by the COI were excessive.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "The 3 key points in the University of Louisville's NCAA infractions appeal," 14 Aug. 2017
Of course, CT1 still has a long way to go before your doctor can start prescribing it.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Could Trick Your Heart Into Thinking You Work Out," 9 Aug. 2017
And the court did not prescribe who should have custody of the toddler.

— chris graves, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio Supreme court ruling puts adoption of Butler County toddler in limbo," 26 July 2017
This inequality probably reflects both earlier diagnosis of women, whose HIV status is checked routinely at antenatal clinics, and a more responsible female attitude towards taking any drugs prescribed.

— The Economist, "AIDSSome good news and some bad, in the fight against HIV," 20 July 2017
Under a marketing strategy that Arthur Sackler had pioneered decades earlier, the company aggressively pressed doctors to prescribe the drug, wooing them with free trips to pain-management seminars and paid speaking engagements.

— sam roberts, New York Times, "Raymond Sackler, Psychopharmacology Pioneer and Philanthropist, Dies at 97," 19 July 2017
In places where psychotherapy services are not readily available, doctors may be wary of prescribing it.

— The Economist, "What would Hippocrates do?Most people addicted to opioids receive no treatment," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prescribe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of prescribe

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

prescribe Synonyms

Synonyms

define, lay down, specify

Related Words

decree, dictate, ordain; assign, direct, fix, set, settle; arrange, order; choose, select; adjure, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, tell; conduct, control, govern, lead, manage; coerce, compel, constrain, force; obligate, oblige, require

PRESCRIBE Defined for English Language Learners

prescribe

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verb

Definition of prescribe for English Language Learners

: to officially tell someone to use (a medicine, therapy, diet, etc.) as a remedy or treatment
: to make (something) an official rule

PRESCRIBE Defined for Kids

prescribe

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verb pre·scribe \ pri-ˈskrīb \

Definition of prescribe for Students

prescribed; prescribing

1 :to order or direct the use of as a remedy

Did the doctor prescribe medicine?

2 :to lay down as a rule of action :order

School rules prescribe daily physical activity.

Medical Dictionary

prescribe

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verb pre·scribe \ pri-ˈskrīb \

medical Definition of prescribe

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

Law Dictionary

prescribe

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verb pre·scribe \ pri-ˈskrīb \

legal Definition of prescribe

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 prescribes
—Louisiana 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 thereof
—U.S. Constitution art. I