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

Vagabondage, begging, movement across county lines and wage increases were all proscribed.

From Washington Post

While commuting listening is proscribed for at least the next quarter, exercise and mental health breaks pick up a lot of that deficit.

From TechCrunch

Presidents have been blocking and undoing mergers for years through the long-established and carefully proscribed CFIUS process.

From Fortune

Proscribe French, their mother tongue, and they will hate you and have nothing to do with your schools.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• forbid
• outlaw
• prohibit