Definition of prescribe
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
1a : to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action : ordainb : 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
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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
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Accordingly, the E.O. itself provides that the suspension prescribed in Section 2(c) ends at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, whether or not any courts have enjoined its implementation in the interim.
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Pharmaceutical companies are often able, in court, to shift the blame to doctors who prescribed the pills, absolving themselves of responsibility.
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Painkillers are generally prescribed after such surgeries, and many carry warnings to avoid driving while taking them.
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Among the treatments Messer allegedly prescribed were laetrile and three castor oil enemas per day for three months.
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A state law, dating to the 1970s, prescribes more than $1.2 million in lulus for the Senate every year, and nearly $1.6 million for the Assembly.
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So doctors have become more cautious in prescribing antibiotics, hoping to reduce the pressures of natural selection that fuel resistance.
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The singer's family has disputed the findings and claim Cornell may have taken more of an anti-anxiety drug than he was prescribed.
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Cornell's family has disputed the medical examiner's findings and claimed Cornell may have taken more of his anti-anxiety drug than he was prescribed.
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
First Known Use: 15th century
PRESCRIBE Defined for English Language Learners
prescribe
playDefinition of prescribe for English Language Learners
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: to officially tell someone to use (a medicine, therapy, diet, etc.) as a remedy or treatment
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: to make (something) an official rule
PRESCRIBE Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
prescribe
playMedical Definition of prescribe
prescribed
;prescribing
intransitive verb
: to write or give medical prescriptionstransitive verb
: to designate or order the use of as a remedy prescribe a drug
Law Dictionary
prescribe
playLegal 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
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
Learn More about prescribe
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See words that rhyme with prescribe Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prescribe Spanish Central: Translation of prescribe Nglish: Translation of prescribe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prescribe for Arabic speakers
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