Definition of proscribe
proscribed
;proscribing
transitive verb
1 : to publish the name of as condemned to death with the property of the condemned forfeited to the state
2 : to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful : prohibit
proscriber
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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Examples of proscribe in a sentence
acts that are proscribed by law
regulations proscribe the use of electronic devices on board a plane while it is landing
Did You Know?
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.
Origin and Etymology of proscribe
Latin proscribere to publish, proscribe, from pro- before + scribere to write — more at scribe
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Legal Terms
PROSCRIBE Defined for English Language Learners
proscribe
playDefinition of proscribe for English Language Learners
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: to make (something) illegal : to not allow (something)
Law Dictionary
proscribe
playLegal Definition of proscribe
proscribed
proscribing
: to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful
Origin and Etymology of proscribe
Latin proscribere to publish, proscribe, from pro- before + scribere to write
Learn More about proscribe
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See words that rhyme with proscribe Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proscribe Spanish Central: Translation of proscribe Nglish: Translation of proscribe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of proscribe for Arabic speakers
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