prescribe

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verb pre·scribe \pri-ˈskrīb\

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

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.

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

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verb pre·scribe \pri-ˈskrīb\

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
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