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

At a later date, all of the volunteers were given either a single dose of prescribed sodium-oxybate liquid medicine or a dummy or placebo.

From BBC

Prison itself is the punishment prescribed for those held in one.

From Los Angeles Times

Phages are exquisitely specific for their bacterial targets, and some treatments were prescribed for the wrong infections.

From Salon

They are not authorised to prescribe, but they can order some scans, take medical histories and conduct physical examinations.

From BBC

This wild plant, whose seedlings proliferate after a fire, served as a vital food source of many of the region’s Indigenous people, who tended it with prescribed burns.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

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