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.
About 2,500 have been charged, though none have gone to trial as the legal challenge to the proscription continues.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
Thousands of people have been arrested since the proscription came into force, with their prosecutions now thrown into doubt.
From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026
Opening the trial on Tuesday, Mr Justice Johnson told jurors that the allegations they would consider predate Palestine Action's proscription under terrorism laws this June.
From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2025
While the judge began setting provisional trial dates for March, there is no certainty they can take place before the end of 2026 because of the ongoing legal battle over the group's proscription.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2025
One city in proscription and the rest in rebellion, can never be a remedial measure for disturbances.
From Harper's New Monthly Magazine Vol. IV, No. 19, Dec 1851 by Various
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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.
