imprescriptible

[ im-pri-skrip-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

, Law.

1. not subject to prescription.

imprescriptible

/ ˌɪmprɪˈskrɪptəbəl /

adjective

1. law immune or exempt from prescription

Derived Forms

• ˌimpreˈscriptibly, adverb
• ˌimpreˌscriptiˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• impre·scripti·bili·ty noun
• impre·scripti·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprescriptible¹

From the Medieval Latin word imprescriptibilis, dating back to 1555–65. See im- ², prescriptible

Example Sentences

They are mostly mute on Strauss’ early dalliance with fascism, such as in a 1933 letter where he endorses “the principles of the Right — fascist, authoritarian imperial and not the pathetic and laughable imprescriptible rights of man.”

From Salon

At present, the Constitution says: “The state recognizes the family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law.”

From New York Times

“In France, the national collections are the inalienable and imprescriptible property of the state,” Mr. Le Fur wrote in an email.

From New York Times

At a time when the Inquisition was declining and falling into contempt, he boldly insisted on its most extreme prerogatives as an imprescriptible privilege.

From Project Gutenberg

Lawyers disputed, however, as to the perpetuity of the prohibition to build on the spot, some holding that possession by a Catholic for forty years conferred a right to erect a new house, which others denied, arguing that a perpetual and imprescriptible servitude had been created.

From Project Gutenberg