proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce proscription (audio)
1
: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2
: an imposed restraint or restriction : prohibition
proscriptive adjective
proscriptively adverb

Example Sentences

the proscription against bicycles and skateboards is intended to make the plaza a more pedestrian-friendly place a strongly worded proscription against smoking indoors
Recent Examples on the Web This was characterized by zero tolerance for misdemeanors and the aggressive control or physical proscription of public areas for the purposes of peaceful protest. Kylie Bourne, Discover Magazine, 14 Sep. 2015 How can that proscription be preserved amid current world tensions? Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2022 Tickets for the Santo Domingo concert had been on sale for about two months at the time of Cyrus' proscription, ranging in price from $27 to $370. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 20 Oct. 2022 Yet despite these disquieting trends, the eight-decade-long proscription against nuclear weapons use has not been breached. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2022 Rushdie, who had spent decades under proscription by Iran, was on a ventilator Friday evening after undergoing hours of surgery, according to an email from his agent, Andrew Wylie. Hurubie Meko, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Aug. 2022 That’s to maximize choices, Norris said, rather than any proscription away from building smaller. The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 June 2022 The legal assertion that life begins at conception has implications for IVF, and pro-life groups in this country and abroad have argued for a proscription not only of embryo research but also of the freezing and disposal of embryos. Laura Beers, CNN, 27 May 2022 Such a proscription wouldn’t significantly lower domestic gasoline prices because many U.S. refiners are built to process heavier crudes different from the lighter grades extracted domestically. WSJ, 11 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proscription.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proscripcion, from Latin proscription-, proscriptio, from proscribere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proscription was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near proscription

Cite this Entry

“Proscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proscription. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

proscription

noun
pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce proscription (audio)
1
: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2

Legal Definition

proscription

noun
pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce proscription (audio)
1
: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2
: an imposed restraint or restriction
proscriptive adjective
proscriptively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on proscription

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