Prescribe — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /pri-ˈskrīb/ pre·scribe

Meaning & Definition of Prescribe

Prescribe (verb)

  1. to lay down a rule, dictate
  2. to claim a title to something by right of prescription
  3. to write or give medical prescriptions

Prescribe (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly

    "in chess, you can move the various pieces only in certain prescribed ways"

    similar: define, lay down, specify
    related: decree, dictate, ordain, assign, direct, fix, set, settle, arrange, order, choose, select, adjure, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, tell, conduct, control, govern, lead, manage, coerce, compel, constrain, force, obligate, oblige, require

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Prescribe

The most common words with a similar meaning to Prescribe:

define, lay down, specify

Related Words for Prescribe

decree, dictate, ordain, assign, direct, fix, set, settle, arrange, order, choose, select, adjure, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, tell, conduct, control, govern, lead, manage, coerce, compel, constrain, force, obligate, oblige

Word Forms of Prescribe

Inflections: prescribed, prescribing

Derived words: prescriber (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Prescribe

Middle English, from Latin praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order, from prae- + scribere to write scribe

First known use: 15th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Prescribe

Frequently Asked Questions about Prescribe

What does "Prescribe" mean?

"Prescribe" means to lay down a rule, dictate. As a verb, it is defined as: to lay down a rule, dictate.

What is another word for "Prescribe"?

Other words for "Prescribe" include define, lay down and specify. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Prescribe" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Prescribe"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Prescribe". Common alternatives include define, lay down and specify.

How do you use "Prescribe" in a sentence?

Examples of "Prescribe" in a sentence: "in chess, you can move the various pieces only in certain prescribed ways".

Is "Prescribe" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Prescribe" is a verb.

Is "Prescribe" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Prescribe" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Prescribe"?

"Prescribe" is pronounced /pri-ˈskrīb/ and divided into syllables as pre·scribe.

What is the origin of the word "Prescribe"?

"Prescribe" comes from Middle English, from Latin praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order, from prae- + scribere to write scribe. First known use: 15th centuryi.