prescribe Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pre*scribe" transitive verb

Etymology

L. praescribere, praescriptum; prae before + scriebe to write. See Scribe.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Prescribed ; present participle & verbal noun Prescribing

Definitions

1. To lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action; to impose as a peremptory order; to dictate; to appoint; to direct.

   Prescribe not us our duties. Shak.

   Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run. Dryden.

2. (Med.) To direct, as a remedy to be used by a patient; as, the doctor prescribed quinine. Syn. -- To appoint; order; command; dictate; ordain; institute; establish.

Pre*scribe" intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To give directions; to dictate.

   A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions. Locke.

2. To influence by long use Obs. Sir T. Browne.
3. (Med.) To write or to give medical directions; to indicate remedies; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.
4. (Law) To claim by prescription; to claim a title to a thing on the ground of immemorial use and enjoyment, that is, by a custom having the force of law.