prescribe

[pri-skrahyb] /prɪˈskraɪb/
verb (used with object), prescribed, prescribing.
1.
to lay down, in writing or otherwise, as a rule or a course of action to be followed; appoint, ordain, or enjoin.
2.
Medicine/Medical. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).
verb (used without object), prescribed, prescribing.
3.
to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
4.
Medicine/Medical. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
5.
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
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
Related forms
prescribable, adjective
prescriber, noun
misprescribe, verb, misprescribed, misprescribing.
nonprescribed, adjective
nonprescriber, noun
overprescribe, verb, overprescribed, overprescribing.
represcribe, verb (used with object), represcribed, represcribing.
self-prescribed, adjective
unprescribed, adjective
Can be confused
prescribe, proscribe.
Synonyms
1. direct, dictate, decree.
Examples from the web for prescribe
  • The liberty of action you prescribe is rather a necessity for me than a constraint.
  • If you misdiagnose the illness, then you will prescribe the wrong remedy.
  • If published clinical trials establish a drug's safety and efficacy, doctors will eventually prescribe it.
  • Physicians may have to prescribe several different treatments before identifying one that works.
  • If doctors did not prescribe any pills to patient not a single drug sold.
  • It is illegal to pay doctors to prescribe certain medicines to their patients.
  • DOs can diagnose disease and prescribe medication, but they cannot perform surgeries.
  • In fact, he chooses to describe rather than prescribe.
  • They say this may influence what drugs doctors prescribe.
  • In addition, some doctors may hesitate to prescribe the drug after all the hubbub.
British Dictionary definitions for prescribe

prescribe

/prɪˈskraɪb/
verb
1.
to lay down as a rule or directive
2.
(law) to claim or acquire (a right, title, etc) by prescription
3.
(law) to make or become invalid or unenforceable by lapse of time
4.
(med) to recommend or order the use of (a drug or other remedy)
Derived Forms
prescriber, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin praescrībere to write previously, from prae before + scrībere to write
Word Origin and History for prescribe
v.

"to write down as a direction," mid-15c., from Latin praescribere "write beforehand" (see prescription). Related: Prescribed; prescribing. Medical sense is from 1580s, probably a back formation from prescription.

prescribe in Medicine

prescribe pre·scribe (prĭ-skrīb')
v. pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing, pre·scribes
To give directions, either orally or in writing, for the preparation and administration of a remedy to be used in the treatment of a disease.