prescribe

verb

pre·​scribe pri-ˈskrīb 

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

Synonyms of prescribe

• specify
• define

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

Care will continue, including through clinicians who prescribe misoprostol alone, an effective regimen with more side effects or new medications being developed. — Julie F. Kay, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026

Historically, these devices were prescribed for people with type 1 diabetes and, more recently, for those with type 2 diabetes to monitor their glucose levels and adjust insulin dosage. — Crystal Gwizdala, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

As a practicing psychiatrist, Lembke routinely prescribes stimulants for ADHD, opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for insomnia and anxiety. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Products like Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Ultresa and Viokace are typically prescribed for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the body does not produce enough enzymes on its own. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for prescribe

• ascribe
• describe
• imbibe
• inscribe
• proscribe
• subscribe
• transcribe
• bribe
• gibe
• jibe
• tribe
• vibe

Kids Definition

prescribe

verb

pre·​scribe pri-ˈskrīb 

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 

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 

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

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 tutor

—Louisiana Civil Code