prescribes; prescribed; prescribing
1
: to officially tell someone to use (a medicine, therapy, diet, etc.) as a remedy or treatment
My doctor prescribed this medicine. = This medicine was prescribed by my doctor.
This drug should not be prescribed to children.
a drug commonly prescribed to treat rashes
The doctor prescribed three months of physical therapy for my leg injury.
2
: to make (something) an official rule
The law prescribes a prison sentence of at least five years for the crime.
The regulations prescribe that all employees must pass a physical examination.
We must follow the rules as prescribed by the government.
Cite this Entry
“Prescribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prescribe. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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