prescription

noun

pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən 

1

a

: the establishment of a claim of title to something under common law usually by use and enjoyment for a period fixed by statute

b

: the right or title acquired under common law by such possession

2

: the process of making claim to something by long use and enjoyment

3

: the action of laying down authoritative rules or directions

4

a

: a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent

specifically : one for the preparation and use of a medicine

b

: a prescribed medicine

c

: something (such as a recommendation) resembling a doctor's prescription

prescriptions for economic recovery

5

a

: ancient or long continued custom

b

: a claim founded upon ancient custom or long continued use

6

: something prescribed as a rule

Synonyms

• rule
• tradition
• values
• principles

Examples of prescription in a Sentence

The drug is only sold with a prescription.

I have to pick up my prescription.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their newest version, Lingo, doesn’t even require a prescription from your doctor. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Part of Haidt’s appeal to terrified parents is his willingness to provide a stern and confident prescription: no smartphones before high school, no social media before sixteen, no phones in schools, and more independent childhood play. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

As of Thursday, customers need a doctor’s prescription to buy cannabis — effectively restricting consumption of the plant to medical and health purposes only. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 28 June 2025

Keep the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

partly from Middle English prescripcion establishment of a claim, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin praescription-, praescriptio, from Latin, act of writing at the beginning, order, limitation of subject matter, from praescribere; partly from Latin praescription-, praescriptio order

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing prescription

• by prescription
• on prescription
• prescription drug

Rhymes for prescription

• ascription
• conscription
• decryption
• description
• egyptian
• encryption
• inscription
• proscription
• subscription
• transcription
• circumscription
• misdescription

Kids Definition

prescription

noun

pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the action of prescribing rules or directions

2

a

: a written direction or order for the preparation and use of a medicine

b

: a medicine that is prescribed

prescriptive

-ˈskrip-tiv

adjective

Medical Definition

prescription

noun

pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: a written direction for the preparation, compounding, and administration of a medicine

2

: a prescribed remedy

3

: a written formula for the grinding of corrective lenses for eyeglasses

4

: a written direction for the application of physical therapy measures (as directed exercise or electrotherapy) in cases of injury or disability

Legal Definition

prescription

noun

pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: acquisition of an interest (as an easement) in real property that is usually less than a fee by long-term, continuous, open, and hostile use and possession as determined by the law of a jurisdiction

gained title by prescription

see also easement by prescription at easement compare adverse possession at possession

2

in the civil law of Louisiana

a

: the running of a period of time set by law after which a right is unenforceable in Louisiana courts but may be enforced in another state forum

an interruption of prescription

by the prescription of ten years

also : the bar to an action that results from prescription see also peremptory exception compare peremption

b

: the creation of a right by the running of a period of time set by law

especially : acquisitive prescription in this entry

predial servitudes on property of the state may not be acquired by prescription

—Louisiana Civil Code

— acquisitive prescription \ ə-​ˈkwi-​zə-​tiv-​ \

: acquisition of ownership or other real rights in movables or immovables by continuous, uninterrupted, peaceable, public, and unequivocal possession for a period of time (as 10 years) set by law

also : such possession that creates real rights

acquisitive prescription is interrupted when the possessor acknowledges the right of the owner

—Louisiana Civil Code

Note: The Louisiana Civil Code has set various periods of time for acquisitive prescription of movables and immovables. With the shorter periods (as 10 years for immovables or 3 years for movables) the Code also requires that the possessor possess in good faith and under just title. Acquisitive prescription does not run in favor of a person having precarious possession, because he or she possess the property on behalf of or with permission of the owner, until the possessor begins to possess the property on his or her own behalf (as after a lease terminates).

— liberative prescription

: a period of time set by law (as one year) after which legal action is barred if no steps have been taken to enforce or litigate the right

delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of one year

—Louisiana Civil Code

Note: Liberative prescription is similar to the common-law statute of limitations.

— prescription of nonuse

: the extinguishment or termination of a real right other than ownership as a result of the failure to exercise the right for a period of time (as 10 years) set by law

also : the period of time

3

: something prescribed as a rule

created a legal prescription against such acts

Etymology

partly from Middle French prescription establishment of a claim, from Late Latin praescription-, praescriptio, from Latin, act of writing at the beginning, order, from praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order; partly from Latin praescription-, praescriptio order