First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
prescribe
verb pre·scribe \pri-ˈskrīb\
: to officially tell someone to use (a medicine, therapy, diet, etc.) as a remedy or treatment
: to make (something) an official rule
pre·scribedpre·scrib·ing
Full Definition of PRESCRIBE
intransitive verb
1
: to lay down a rule : dictate
2
[Middle English, from Medieval Latin praescribere, from Latin, to write at the beginning] : to claim a title to something by right of prescription
3
: to write or give medical prescriptions
4
: to become by prescription invalid or unenforceable
transitive verb
1
a : to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action : ordain b : to specify with authority
2
: to designate or order the use of as a remedy <prescribed a painkiller> <a prescribed burn to restore natural forest conditions>
— pre·scrib·er noun
See prescribe defined for English-language learners
See prescribe defined for kids
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Origin of PRESCRIBE
Middle English, from Latin praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order, from prae- + scribere to write — more at scribe
PRESCRIBED Defined for Kids
prescribe
verb pre·scribe \pri-ˈskrīb\
pre·scribedpre·scrib·ing
Definition of PRESCRIBE for Kids
1
: to order or direct the use of as a remedy <Did the doctor prescribe medicine?>
2
: to lay down as a rule of action : order <School rules prescribe daily physical activity.>
Medical Dictionary
prescribe
verb pre·scribe \pri-ˈskrīb\
pre·scribedpre·scrib·ing
Medical Definition of PRESCRIBE
intransitive verb
: to write or give medical prescriptions
transitive verb
: to designate or order the use of as a remedy <prescribe a drug>
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