prescribe

[ pri-skrahyb ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing.

1. to lay down, in writing or otherwise, as a rule or a course of action to be followed; appoint, ordain, or enjoin.

   Synonyms: decree, dictate, direct

2. Medicine/Medical. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).

verb (used without object)

, pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing.

1. to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
2. Medicine/Medical. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
3. Law. to claim a right or title by virtue of long use and enjoyment; make a prescriptive claim. (usually followed by for or to ).

prescribe

/ prɪˈskraɪb /

verb

1. to lay down as a rule or directive
2. law to claim or acquire (a right, title, etc) by prescription
3. law to make or become invalid or unenforceable by lapse of time
4. med to recommend or order the use of (a drug or other remedy)

Derived Forms

• preˈscriber, noun

Other Words From

• pre·scrib·a·ble adjective
• pre·scrib·er noun
• mis·pre·scribe verb misprescribed misprescribing
• non·pre·scrib·er noun
• o·ver·pre·scribe verb overprescribed overprescribing
• re·pre·scribe verb (used with object) represcribed represcribing

Word History and Origins

Origin of prescribe¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English from Latin praescrībere “to direct in writing,” literally, “to write before or above,” equivalent to prae- pre- + scrībere “to write”; scribe ¹, prescription

Word History and Origins

Origin of prescribe¹

C16: from Latin praescrībere to write previously, from prae before + scrībere to write

Example Sentences

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have discovered how long-term treatment of high blood pressure with commonly prescribed drugs can destroy the kidney's ability to filter and purify blood.

From Science Daily

Given the steady rise in GLP-1 agonist prescribing, there are broad local and global economic and environmental impacts at play, he said.

From Science Daily

The girl’s mother, who has two other children, was arrested in February 2021 after a urine test on her daughter showed the presence of ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, which had not been prescribed.

From BBC

Due to increased demand for medications like Ozempic, providers in general practice settings have become increasingly familiar with how to prescribe these medications.

From Salon

She added the injections were "too easy" to get hold of without professionals to prescribe or advise.

From BBC

Related Words

• define
• determine
• dictate
• establish
• impose
• lay down
• require
• specify