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

• prescribable adjective
• prescriber noun
• 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

Most questions from the Republican senators focused on brush clearance, prescribed burns, evacuations and the allocation of state and local funds.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In his closing submission to the tribunal, the nurses' barrister Niazi Fetto KC said the policy was "unjustifiably treated as sacrosanct" by managers and "prescribed the disadvantageous treatment of biological females".

Read more on BBC

Antidepressants may be trending, but misconceptions about the commonly prescribed medications abound.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As a result, women with mood swings associated with menopause are more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant than estrogen.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Along with her late husband, Kirk has routinely prescribed that women forgo college degrees and careers — even though she has both — so they can fully commit to being submissive housewives.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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