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

The guidelines prescribe LDL goals based on scan scores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

When we prescribe these drugs to patients whose endogenous GLP-1 system is functioning normally, we are not filling a deficit.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

While those issues have improved, many physicians still hesitate to prescribe them.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

“I found myself seeking doctors who would prescribe it,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

You needed to be a psychiatrist to prescribe Prozac.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

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