prescribe
verb
pre·scribe
pri-ˈskrīb 
prescribed; prescribing
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
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
prescriber
noun
Examples of prescribe in a Sentence
This drug should not be prescribed to children.
a drug commonly prescribed to treat rashes
The doctor prescribed three months of physical therapy for my leg injury.
The law prescribes a prison sentence of at least five years for the crime.
The regulations prescribe that all employees must pass a physical examination.
We must follow the rules as prescribed by the government.
Recent Examples on the Web
Several members highlighted the need for research to answer long-standing clinical questions, such as whether certain antidepressants should be prescribed to autistic children with anxiety.
—
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
One reason people are more likely to quit GLP-1s when prescribed for obesity − insurance coverage lags.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Authorities also said Eric Richins’ gastric fluid contained 16,000 ng/ml of quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
In addition to their use as a contraceptive, the pills are prescribed for a variety of health issues, including preventing anemia from heavy periods and treating uterine fibroids.
—Amanda Seitz, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescribe
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Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
One reason people are more likely to quit GLP-1s when prescribed for obesity − insurance coverage lags.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Authorities also said Eric Richins’ gastric fluid contained 16,000 ng/ml of quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
In addition to their use as a contraceptive, the pills are prescribed for a variety of health issues, including preventing anemia from heavy periods and treating uterine fibroids.
—Amanda Seitz, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescribe
Cite this Entry
“Prescribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescribe. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prescribe
verb
pre·scribe
pri-ˈskrīb
prescribed; prescribing
1
: to lay down as a rule of action
the route that was prescribed
2
: to order or direct the use of something as a remedy
the doctor prescribed an antibiotic
prescriber
noun
Medical Definition
prescribe
verb
pre·scribe
pri-ˈskrīb
prescribed; prescribing
: to write or give medical prescriptions
: to designate or order the use of as a remedy
prescribe a drug
Legal Definition
prescribe
verb
pre·scribe
pri-ˈskrīb
prescribed; prescribing
1
: to claim title or a right to something (as an easement) by prescription
a precarious possessor cannot prescribe against the owner
2
in the civil law of Louisiana
: to become unenforceable or invalid by prescription
any party having an interest in a money judgment may have it revived before it prescribes—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil Code1
: to lay down as a rule or guide : specify with authority
the times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof—U.S. Constitution art. I
U.S. Constitution art. I2
in the civil law of Louisiana
: to invalidate or bar the enforcement of by prescription
this claim for damages shall not be prescribed so long as the minor's right of action exists against his tutor—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil CodeLove words? Need even more definitions?
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