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

Under normal circumstances, physicians typically prescribe low-fat diets to reduce plaque buildup and inflammation.

From Science Daily

For example, they said, testosterone may be prescribed for teens in Tennessee who were boys at birth but not girls.

From Los Angeles Times

Published in the scientific journal BMJ, this is the largest and most comprehensive study of currently prescribed hormonal substances in the world.

From Science Daily

Mechanical thinning does much of the work of prescribed burning methodically by hand: cutting down small trees, removing brush, pruning the lower limbs of larger trees so fire can’t climb up into the canopy.

From Los Angeles Times

These "non-fungible tokens" are pieces of digital artwork that have no intrinsic value, other than that prescribed by people.

From BBC

Related Words

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