prescribe

[pri-skrahyb]

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.).

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

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

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

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

She still suffers from a chronic cough and uses an inhaler, she said, adding that “a lot of inhalers were prescribed in the area.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a recent decision aimed at prescribing remedies for Google's dominance, the search giant was not ordered to spin off its Chrome browser as US Justice Department lawyers had requested.

Read more on BBC

TV presenter Sue Kent, 62 from Swansea, has an upper limb disability caused by the drug Thalidomide, which was prescribed to her mother during pregnancy.

Read more on Science Daily

Kids were deemed newly allergic if they received a diagnosis code by a provider for a food allergy and were prescribed an EpiPen, Hill said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Doctors typically prescribe oral iron tablets to treat the condition.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

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