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

• misprescribe verb
• nonprescriber noun
• overprescribe verb
• prescribable adjective
• prescriber noun
• 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”; scribe ¹, prescription

Example Sentences

Members rejected an attempt to limit the ability of doctors to prescribe a lethal dose to cases where individuals were unable to self-administer the drugs.

From BBC

In the US, 10 states and the Washington DC federal district allow "physician-assisted dying" where doctors can prescribe lethal drugs for self-administration.

From BBC

No country has fully tested what the Becker-Murphy-Grossman model actually prescribes—legalization with an excise tax.

From The Wall Street Journal

The address is prescribed by the Constitution and calls for the president to apprise Congress about the state of the union.

From Los Angeles Times

Patients may be prescribed medicine unavailable in Greenland.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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