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

You can follow all the rules and exist within society’s prescribed norms and limits, and still stumble into the wrong place at the wrong time and be forced to run for your life.

From Salon

However, the agency will reduce some work related to fire prevention, including prescribed burns and the treatment of vegetation to reduce fire risk.

From Los Angeles Times

There's this much reported case of a woman who suffered from convulsions after taking a medicine for diabetes which had a similar sounding name to an analgesic she had been prescribed.

From BBC

Ms Steer believes that many women are not listened to and are prescribed the pill for their pain, instead of health professionals investigating the cause.

From BBC

She also offered to prescribe extra vials on a genuine patient's script - allowing beauticians to keep stock for clients and then inject them secretly, with no prescription in place.

From BBC

Related Words

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