Prescribed
/prɪˈskraɪbd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo officially recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medication or treatment.
/prɪˈskraɪbd/
To authoritatively recommend or order the use of (a medicine or treatment).
The doctor prescribed a course of physical therapy for his back pain.
💡 Simply: When you get sick, the doctor might *prescribe* medicine. It means they tell you exactly what medicine to take, and how much, to make you feel better.
👶 For kids: To tell someone to take medicine or do something to get better.
More Examples
The regulations prescribed specific safety measures for the construction site.
The government prescribed new taxes on imported goods.
How It's Used
"The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection."
"The judge prescribed a period of community service as part of the sentence."
To establish a rule or principle to be followed; to set down formally.
/prɪˈskraɪbd/
To set down as a rule or guide.
The company prescribed a dress code for all employees.
💡 Simply: Imagine a recipe, or a set of rules for a game. When something is *prescribed*, it means someone has decided the rules for how something should happen.
👶 For kids: To make a rule or tell people what they should do.
More Examples
The constitution prescribes the rights of citizens.
The manual prescribes the proper method for assembling the furniture.
How It's Used
"The law prescribes certain punishments for specific crimes."
"Society often prescribes certain roles and behaviors based on gender."
Synonyms
From Latin *praescribere* ('to write before, to direct'), from *prae-* ('before') + *scribere* ('to write').
Historically, 'prescribe' has been used in legal, medical, and religious contexts, often denoting an authoritative directive or guideline.
Memory tip
Think of the 'pre' in 'prescribe' as 'before,' implying something set down beforehand, like a doctor's instructions.