prescribe
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.
had prescribed
-
past perfectof prescribe.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
If doctors had prescribed Sovaldi to 2.4 million people with chronic hepatitis C at the time of the launch, the cost would have exceeded $200 billion.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026
He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years before and, when he began to experience shakes, doctors had prescribed a drug called Pramipexole.
From BBC ● Feb. 13, 2026
For the first time all season, Campbell was in the full “Steph mode” that coach Mick Cronin had prescribed before the first game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 10, 2023
Bradley had prescribed the medication to help soften the cervix so she could perform an operation to remove uterine fibroids, growths that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
From Slate ● Jul. 6, 2022
She threw out the Thorazine and vitamin B that a doctor in Los Angeles had prescribed.
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
