prescribe
pruh-SKRYB
/prɪˈskraɪb/
To advise or authorize the use of a medicine or treatment; to state authoritatively as a rule.
In medicine, it is an order; in law or ethics, it is a requirement or a set rule.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to write before'. In ancient times, a law or a medical order was written down 'beforehand' so that it could be followed exactly as intended.
Word relationships
- ordain: Ordain has a religious or divine connotation, while prescribe is more secular or medical.
- dictate: Dictate implies a more forceful or arbitrary command than prescribe.
- proscribe: Proscribe means to forbid, while prescribe means to recommend or require.
Commonly confused with
- proscribe: Prescribe is 'do this'; proscribe is 'don't do this'.
Word family
- prescription (noun): an instruction written by a medical practitioner.
- prescriptive (adjective): relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule.
Collocations
- prescribe medication
- prescribe a treatment
- as prescribed
- prescribe rules
Example sentences
- "The doctor decided to prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection." Medical
- "The constitution prescribes the methods by which new laws may be enacted." Legal/Formal
Memory hook
The doctor writes the note PRE (before) you go to the pharmacy. Write it before you do it.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'proscribe', which means to forbid.
Fun facts
- In linguistics, 'prescriptive' grammar tells you how you 'should' speak, rather than how people actually do speak.
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