proscription
Americannoun
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the act of proscribing.
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the state of being proscribed.
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the act of making something unlawful or illegal; interdiction or prohibition.
noun
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the act of proscribing or the state of being proscribed
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denunciation, prohibition, or exclusion
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outlawry or ostracism
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of proscription
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English proscripcioun, from Latin prōscrīptiōn- (stem of prōscrīptiō ) “public notice of confiscation or outlawry,” equivalent to prōscrīpt(us) (past participle of prōscrībere “to proscribe ”) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Condemning something or banishing someone is proscription. For safety reasons, there's a proscription against carrying fireworks with you on an airplane. You'll have to leave those bottle rockets at home. The term proscription was first used in ancient Rome for official banishment and other government-sanctioned punishments. The word comes from the Latin proscribere, "publish in writing," and historically proscriptions involved publishing the names of people considered enemies of the state. You can also use the word for things like your grandpa's proscription against candy or your school's proscription against wearing pajamas to class.
Vocabulary lists containing proscription
Academic and Literary Vocabulary and Vocabulary from Readings 1, Unit 4
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Novel Study: Julius Caesar, Acts 4–5
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Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She said the judges recognised the proscription of an organisation like Palestine Acton was "highly controversial" and that it was supported by "many otherwise lawful citizens".
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
"It is also almost certain that I can no longer publish or produce any new work within the UK while this proscription remains in effect."
From BBC ● Nov. 27, 2025
In a major decision, the High Court ruled that the proscription of the group, that has carried out break-ins at defence firms linked to Israel as part of direct action protests, should be reviewed.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2025
A legal challenge attempting to temporarily block the proscription failed.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2025
If he be found guilty, it decrees the punishment, which consists in proscription, for a longer or shorter period.
From The Student-Life of Germany by William Howitt
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
