prescribe

American  

[pri-skrahyb] / prɪˈskraɪb /

verb (used with object)

prescribed, prescribing

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.).

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verb (used without object)

prescribed, prescribing

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 orto ).

prescribe British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• misprescribe verb
• nonprescriber noun
• overprescribe verb
• prescribable adjective
• prescriber noun
• represcribe verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of prescribe

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

Example Sentences

“I’m taking the medicine he prescribed. The same one Baba took.”

From Salon

In the UK, the injections are prescription only medicines, which means they can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional for a person who clinically needs it.

From BBC

One UC San Diego remedial math tutor observed that “some teachers would teach ‘life skills’ in high school math class, just using calculators, the internet, and prescribed formulas; classes didn’t teach ‘mathematical thinking.’

From The Wall Street Journal

Andrew, 49, was also far below the threshold for being prescribed weight-loss drugs in the UK.

From BBC

This will help clarify how often these drugs are being prescribed to women of childbearing age and what risks this may pose to unborn children.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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