proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed

2

: an imposed restraint or restriction : prohibition

proscriptive

prō-ˈskrip-tiv 

adjective

proscriptively adverb

Synonyms of proscription

• prohibition
• prohibiting
• banning

Examples of proscription in a Sentence

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

The announcement Monday regarding the new proscription-like measures has been welcomed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 13 July 2026

The High Court judges said that while some of those crimes amounted to terrorist acts, they could be criminally prosecuted regardless of proscription. — ABC News, 15 June 2026

The case comes amid Britain’s controversial terror ban on Palestine Action, mass arrests of supporters, a pending court challenge to the proscription and warnings from Amnesty of a dangerous crackdown on protest. — Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Elsewhere on the trophy, there are the original rules to soccer, from 1863, which include a proscription on players having nails, iron plates, or gutta-percha—a Malaysian rubberlike material, now used in root canals—protruding from their boots. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for proscription

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

Kids Definition

proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed

2

: prohibition sense 2

Legal Definition

proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed

2

: an imposed restraint or restriction

proscriptive

-ˈskrip-tiv 

adjective

proscriptively adverb