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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
British authorities have had their eyes on the group since 2020, but its June 2025 action – when activists broke into Britain’s largest airbase, RAF Brize Norton, vandalizing two Airbus Voyager refueling planes – led to its proscription. Max Saltman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 Palestine Action’s leaders are mounting a legal appeal to the proscription decision, which the government is obliged to hear. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2025 Andrew Aitchison / In Pictures via Getty Images The government decided on the group's proscription after members damaged military planes at a Royal Air Force base in June to protest against the British military's support for Israel. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 12 Sep. 2025 Advertisement On July 30, the same High Court judge who originally blocked the appeal, Justice Chamberlain, then approved Palestine Action co-founder Ammori to legally challenge the government proscription. Callum Sutherland, Time, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proscription

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proscription. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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