proscriptive

American  

[proh-skrip-tiv] / proʊˈskrɪp tɪv /

adjective

1. involving, imposing, or defining limits or prohibitions.

   We want the guidelines to be useful, broadly applicable, and not overly proscriptive and narrow.

   Rather than a proscriptive diet, in which the patient is limited to eating certain foods and measured portions, we encourage eating a wide range of foods in moderation.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonproscriptive
  adjective
• unproscriptive
  adjective
• nonproscriptively
  adverb
• proscriptively
  adverb
• unproscriptively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of proscriptive

First recorded in 1740–50; from Latin prōscript-, stem of prōscrībere “to publish in writing” ( see proscribe ( def. )) + -ive ( def. )

Example Sentences

But the prohibitive costs and proscriptive laws sometimes mean there’s no choice at all.

From Slate • Oct. 3, 2024

Viewed this way, minding our p’s and q’s is less about proscriptive notions of correctness, and more about mindfulness, self-discovery and proper conduct.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

But it’s to Leaf’s credit that there’s nothing simplistic, and certainly nothing proscriptive, about how that closure takes place.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

I don't want to be too proscriptive to what listeners should be seeing or feeling or thinking.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2022

Would it not be wise for Congress to say at once, We reject, once and for all, proscriptive constitutions?

From Forty-Six Years in the Army by Schofield, John M.

Related Words

• excessive
• exorbitant
• preposterous
• steep