prescribe

verb

pre·scribe | \ pri-ˈskrīb

prescribed; prescribing

Definition of prescribe

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

1a : 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

Other Words from prescribe Synonyms Proscribe vs. Prescribe More Example Sentences Learn More About prescribe

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Brownstein remains optimistic that further research will clarify guidance on how best to prescribe the drug. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 22 June 2022 Norman Rosen, 84, faces up to 20 years in prison for his role in a wide-ranging scheme to prescribe opioids to people who didn’t need them. — Lee O. Sanderlin, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2022 The Amsterdam clinic often waits to prescribe suppressants until later in puberty. — New York Times, 15 June 2022 Hundreds of doctors continue to prescribe the drug to treat COVID-19 patients despite warnings from health experts. — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 13 June 2022 Griffin was able to appeal and continue to prescribe. — Washington Post, 10 May 2022 Contrary to scientific evidence and warnings from health officials, hundreds of doctors around the country continue to prescribe Ivermectin to prevent and treat COVID-19. — Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2022 At one point Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla outright encouraged patients to do so, noting that doctors often prescribe more antibiotics if the initial dose didn’t clear the infection. — Jason Mast, STAT, 29 May 2022 The professionals will assess the patient’s skin via video conference call (makeup free pictures are also required prior to the session) and prescribe a bespoke skincare routine focusing on the specific concerns as diagnosed. — Angela Lei, Forbes, 20 May 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About prescribe

Dictionary Entries Near prescribe

prescreen

prescribe

prescript

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Last Updated

26 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Prescribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescribe. Accessed 2 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for prescribe

prescribe

verb

pre·scribe | \ pri-ˈskrīb

prescribed; prescribing

Kids Definition of prescribe

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.

prescribe

verb

pre·scribe | \ pri-ˈskrīb

prescribed; prescribing

Medical Definition of prescribe

intransitive verb

: to write or give medical prescriptions

transitive verb

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

prescribe

verb

pre·scribe | \ pri-ˈskrīb

prescribed; prescribing

Legal Definition of prescribe

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