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
Missing an update could mean prescribing a less effective therapy.
—
Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Wilson was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at 21 and prescribed birth control pills to manage her symptoms.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Issue guidance instructing pharmacists and other health care providers to encourage COVID-19 vaccines, as well as to prescribe and administer them.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025
After a minor illness, his doctor prescribes an iron-rich diet and physical activity to lose a few extra kilos.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prescribe
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Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Wilson was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at 21 and prescribed birth control pills to manage her symptoms.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Issue guidance instructing pharmacists and other health care providers to encourage COVID-19 vaccines, as well as to prescribe and administer them.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025
After a minor illness, his doctor prescribes an iron-rich diet and physical activity to lose a few extra kilos.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prescribe
Cite this Entry
“Prescribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescribe. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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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