prescribe

verb

USpri-SKRYB/pɹɪˈskɹaɪb/

Formsprescribes, prescribing, prescribed

4 meanings of prescribe

1
verbtransitive
To tell a sick person which medicine to take and how much, the way a doctor does.
Like a coach telling you exactly which exercises to do and how often.
The doctor prescribed antibiotics for her ear infection.
Doctors can prescribe stronger painkillers after major surgery.
Similarorder
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2
verbtransitive
To say clearly and with authority what someone must do or follow.
Like a recipe that tells you exactly what to do, step by step.
The rules prescribe how players must line up before a game.
The law prescribes a clear set of steps for the whole process.
Similarstipulate, specify, dictate, decree, mandate
Oppositeproscribe, prohibit, forbid
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3
verbtransitive
To gain a legal right to something by using it openly for a long time.
Like earning the right to a shortcut because everyone has walked it for years.
The family hoped to prescribe a right of way across the old farm path.
Neighbors who cross a field for years may prescribe a right to keep using it.
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4
verbintransitive
Of a legal claim or debt, to stop being valid because too much time has passed.
Like a ticket that no longer works once its date has passed.
The debt will prescribe if the lender waits too long to collect it.
Many old claims prescribe after a fixed number of years.
Similarlapse, expire
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Practice

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Origin

From Latin praescribere, made from prae- meaning "before" and scribere meaning "to write."