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 think these might be landmark studies that physicians can look to and might make them more comfortable prescribing dronabinol with chronic lower back pain,” says Cooper, who wasn’t involved with the study.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved atropine for this use, but ophthalmologists sometimes prescribe a very low dose off label.

From The Wall Street Journal

The organoids could eventually serve as a testing platform for psychiatric medications before those drugs are prescribed to patients.

From Science Daily

About 15.5 million people were prescribed gabapentin in 2024, according to an analysis by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is unclear the name of the drug and how long Nick Reiner had been prescribed it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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