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

Derived Forms

• misprescribe
  verb
• prescriber
  noun
• nonprescriber
  noun
• prescribable
  adjective
• overprescribe
  verb
• 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”; 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.

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Those pills can be sent through the mail, and doctors can easily prescribe them on a video call, over the phone, or through digital forms.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

It would also require the Transportation Department to prescribe minimum inspection-time requirements for rail cars and safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials, including limits on length and weight.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

GPs in England have been incentivised to prescribe Mounjaro since April 2026, so that more people benefit from it.

From BBC • May 13, 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

Related Words

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