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prescribe

[ pri-skrahyb ]
/ prɪˈskraɪb /
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See synonyms for: prescribe / prescribed on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing.
to lay down, in writing or otherwise, as a rule or a course of action to be followed; appoint, ordain, or enjoin.
Medicine/Medical. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).
verb (used without object), pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing.
to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
Medicine/Medical. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
Law. to claim a right or title by virtue of long use and enjoyment; make a prescriptive claim. (usually followed by for or to).
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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 scribe1, prescription

OTHER WORDS FROM prescribe

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH prescribe

prescribe , proscribe

Words nearby prescribe

prescientific, prescind, prescore, Prescott, prescreen, prescribe, prescribed, prescript, prescriptible, prescription, prescriptive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to prescribe

define, determine, dictate, establish, impose, lay down, require, specify, appoint, assign, choose, command, decide, decree, designate, direct, enjoin, fix, guide, ordain

How to use prescribe in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for prescribe

prescribe
/ (prɪˈskraɪb) /
verb
to lay down as a rule or directive
law to claim or acquire (a right, title, etc) by prescription
law to make or become invalid or unenforceable by lapse of time
med to recommend or order the use of (a drug or other remedy)

Derived forms of prescribe

prescriber, noun

Word Origin for prescribe

C16: from Latin praescrībere to write previously, from prae before + scrībere to write
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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