proscribe

[ proh-skrahyb ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·scribed, pro·scrib·ing.

1. to denounce or condemn (a thing) as dangerous or harmful; prohibit.

   Synonyms: repudiate, disapprove, censure

2. to put outside the protection of the law; outlaw.
3. to banish or exile.
4. to announce the name of (a person) as condemned to death and subject to confiscation of property.

proscribe

/ prəʊˈskraɪb /

verb

1. to condemn or prohibit
2. to outlaw; banish; exile
3. (in ancient Rome) to outlaw (a citizen) by posting his name in public

Derived Forms

• proˈscriber, noun

Other Words From

• pro·scriba·ble adjective
• pro·scriber noun
• unpro·scriba·ble adjective
• unpro·scribed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proscribe¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prōscrībere to publish in writing, confiscate, outlaw. See pro- ¹, prescribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of proscribe¹

C16: from Latin prōscrībere to put up a written public notice, from prō- in public + scrībere to write

Example Sentences

Hezbollah is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the UK, US and other countries.

From BBC

The Israeli military went on the offensive against Hezbollah - which it proscribes as a terrorist organisation - after almost a year of cross-border fighting sparked by the war in Gaza.

From BBC

It's an offence under section 12 of the Terrorism Act to provide support for a proscribed terrorist group.

From BBC

On Friday at the Old Bailey in London, Kucharski was jailed for two-and-a-half years with a further year on extended licence for professing to be a member of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

From BBC

Israel went on the offensive against Hezbollah - which it proscribes as a terrorist organisation - after almost a year of cross-border fighting sparked by the war in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

• forbid
• outlaw
• prohibit