Prescribe

Definition

Prescribe generally refers to the act of authorizing or recommending a specific course of action, especially in terms of medical treatment.

Parts of Speech

• Verb: prescribe

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈskraɪb/
• Respelling: prih-SCRIBE (with "prih" as in "prism," and "SCRIBE" as in "scribe")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈskraɪb/
• Respelling: prih-SCRIBE (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," and "SCRIBE" as in "scribe")

In both dialects, "prescribe" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SCRIBE." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "SCRIBE" part.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "praescribere," which means "to write beforehand." "Prae-" means "before" and "-scribere" means "to write." Historically, it referred to the act of writing down a rule or order.

Derivatives

• Prescriber
• Prescription
• Prescriptive
• Non-prescriptive
• Prescribability

Synonyms

• Order
• Dictate
• Command

Antonyms

• Proscribe
• Forbid
• Prevent

Usage

"Prescribe" is predominantly used in medical and legal contexts. In medicine, it denotes the act of recommending specific medications or treatments to a patient. In a broader sense, it can refer to setting down a rule or recommendation.

Related Terms

• Medication
• Doctor
• Directive
• Regimen
• Therapeutic

Detailed Definition

Verb

• (Medicine) To advise and authorize the use of (a medicine or treatment) for someone, especially in writing.
• Example: "The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection."

• To state authoritatively or as a rule that (an action or procedure) should be carried out.
• Example: "The law prescribes a minimum of two years imprisonment for this offense."

• To lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action; to give an authoritative or formal command.
• Example: "The organization prescribes certain standards for its members."

• (Historical or Law) To claim a right on the ground of long-standing use.
• Example: "The community had always prescribed the right to use the local forest for hunting."