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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To get there, CMS must avoid the trap of prescribing every detail. Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 This drug is prescribed to people who have type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Kathleen Daly, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025 Starting at $599 per month, some people were able to get prescribed to Wegovy and a Hims & Hers membership. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 The conservative wing of the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law that prohibits medical practitioners from providing gender-affirming care to minors; these include prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender children. Essence, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prescribe

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prescribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescribe. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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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