verb (used with object),pre·scribed,pre·scrib·ing.
to lay down, in writing or otherwise, as a rule or a course of action to be followed; appoint, ordain, or enjoin.
Medicine/Medical. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).
verb (used without object),pre·scribed,pre·scrib·ing.
to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
Medicine/Medical. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
Law. to claim a right or title by virtue of long use and enjoyment; make a prescriptive claim. (usually followed by for or to).
Origin of prescribe
1425–75; late Middle English <Latin praescrībere to direct in writing, literally, to write before or above, equivalent to prae-pre- + scrībere to write; see scribe1, prescription
non·pre·scrib·er,nouno·ver·pre·scribe,verb,o·ver·pre·scribed,o·ver·pre·scrib·ing.re·pre·scribe,verb (used with object),re·pre·scribed,re·pre·scrib·ing.self-pre·scribed,adjectiveun·pre·scribed,adjective
Intentional fire, as she sees it, is “a tool and anyone who’s managing land is going to have prescribed fire in their toolbox.”
They Know How to Prevent Megafires. Why Won’t Anybody Listen?|by Elizabeth Weil|August 28, 2020|ProPublica
This is followed by narrowly prescribed drug treatments that have been worked out over several years of controlled trials and clinical experience.
How Pseudoscientists Get Away With It - Facts So Romantic|Stuart Firestein|August 28, 2020|Nautilus
For patients who depend on these mail-only services, a general practitioner will often prescribe birth control if needed.
USPS delays threaten women’s access to birth control|ehinchliffe|August 27, 2020|Fortune
It involves a set of behaviors and norms that shape how men and women act, prescribe how they ought to be, and specify what it means to be a man or a woman.
No, Animals Do Not Have Genders - Facts So Romantic|Cailin O'Connor|August 26, 2020|Nautilus
Some other doctors at the medical center were also prescribing steroids — usually prednisone, but sometimes methylprednisolone or dexamethasone — for some patients.
A blood test may show which COVID-19 patients steroids will help — or harm|Tina Hesman Saey|July 22, 2020|Science News
For people with SAD, or a bad case of the winter blues, doctors might prescribe a certain amount of light exposure.
Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder With This New Tracker|DailyBurn|November 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If there were a pill with such poor efficacy, it might be considered malpractice to prescribe it.
‘The Biggest Loser’ Could Be TV’s Most Important Show Ever|Daniela Drake|September 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Though I prescribe hardly any narcotic pain medications, most ADHD medications are also Schedule II.
DEA's Painkiller Crackdown Too Little, Too Late?|Russell Saunders|August 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I can open a practice and prescribe medications whether or not I have it.
Rand Paul and the Certification Racket|Russell Saunders|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Your doctor can help pinpoint any potential roadblocks and, in some cases, might prescribe medication to help you ovulate.
Exercise and Fertility: Are You Too Fit to Get Pregnant?|DailyBurn|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When you can come back and assure me of his change of apartment, I will prescribe for him.
The Funny Side of Physic|A. D. Crabtre
Man, do not prescribe how the Divine shall display itself in Woman.
Woman in the Nineteenth Century|Margaret Fuller Ossoli
These reports shall be preserved on file, and the Commission may prescribe the form and manner in which they shall be made.
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, Volume IX.|Benjamin Harrison
Rely upon it, they will prescribe exactly the same thing as the doctor, and the effects will be the same.
The Life Of George Cruikshank, Vol. II. (of II)|Blanchard Jerrold
To prescribe her expenses and govern her family was the province of her guardian.
Arthur Mervyn|Charles Brockden Brown
British Dictionary definitions for prescribe
prescribe
/ (prɪˈskraɪb) /
verb
to lay down as a rule or directive
lawto claim or acquire (a right, title, etc) by prescription
lawto make or become invalid or unenforceable by lapse of time
medto recommend or order the use of (a drug or other remedy)
Derived forms of prescribe
prescriber, noun
Word Origin for prescribe
C16: from Latin praescrībere to write previously, from prae before + scrībere to write