Synonyms

prescribe

American

[pri-skrahyb] / prɪˈskraɪb /

verb (used with object)

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
Medicine/Medical. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).

verb (used without object)

to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
Medicine/Medical. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
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

to lay down as a rule or directive
law to claim or acquire (a right, title, etc) by prescription
law to make or become invalid or unenforceable by lapse of time
med to recommend or order the use of (a drug or other remedy)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

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”; see scribe ¹, prescription

Explanation

To prescribe is make orders or give directions for something to be done. These days, the word is mainly used by doctors who prescribe medications to take. Doctors do a lot of prescribing: they prescribe drugs, rest, exercise, and getting rid of bad habits like smoking. When a doctor prescribes something, he or she is saying, "You need to do this. You should do it." That's the most common use of prescribe, but it pops up anywhere someone is advising or ordering someone to do something. All laws and rules prescribe things — they tell you what to do.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing prescribe

Vocabulary from the Constitution of the United States

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Preamble" and "Bill of Rights," Vocabulary from the U.S. Constitution

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The following month, Hims announced that it would allow providers on its platform to prescribe scripts filled by independent pharmacies, including LillyDirect.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

The motion capture system used to prescribe each person's walking change is expensive and time consuming.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

But the misconduct tribunal found a close relationship continued and Patel continued to prescribe the controlled medication until January 2023, claiming the patient made threats to expose their relationship.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

The antidote psychologists prescribe is mental subtraction: deliberately imagining life without what you take for granted.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

In my new profession I am like a confessor, for I listen as the nuns reveal their ailments, and I prescribe balms, tonics, and poultices.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023