prescribe
C1Formal, Medical, Legal
Definition
Meaning
To authoritatively recommend or order a course of action, most commonly a medical treatment.
To set down as a rule or direction to be followed; to stipulate authoritatively.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The authority of the subject (e.g., doctor, law) is central. Can imply a written directive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., BrE 'prescribable', AmE also 'prescribable'). No major usage differences.
Connotations
Primarily medical/legal in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (The doctor prescribed antibiotics.)SVOO (The doctor prescribed me antibiotics.)SVOA (The law prescribes harshly for that offence.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'prescribe']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The contract prescribes strict delivery timelines.
Academic
The methodology prescribes a double-blind trial.
Everyday
My GP prescribed some painkillers for my back.
Technical
The regulation prescribes the maximum allowable emissions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The consultant may prescribe a stronger course of treatment.
- The Highway Code prescribes the correct procedure at a roundabout.
American English
- Doctors are careful not to over-prescribe opioids.
- The bylaws prescribe a minimum lot size for new houses.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The prescribable dosage is listed in the BNF.
- [Rare use, derived adjective]
American English
- Not all medications on the list are prescribable.
- [Rare use, derived adjective]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor prescribed medicine for my cough.
- You shouldn't take antibiotics unless a doctor prescribes them.
- The school rules prescribe a uniform for all pupils.
- Guidelines now prescribe a more conservative approach to pain management.
- The treaty prescribes the exact measures each country must take.
- The judge prescribed a hefty fine as a deterrent to others.
- The architect's brief prescribed the use of sustainable materials throughout.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PREscription pad: a doctor writes (scribes) it BEFORE (pre-) giving you medicine.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A WRITTEN COMMAND.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'предписывать', which is broader. 'Prescribe' strongly implies a formal, expert recommendation, not just any instruction.
- Do not confuse with 'proscribe' (запрещать), which is a false friend.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'He prescribed me to take aspirin.' Correct: 'He prescribed (me) aspirin.' or 'He prescribed that I take aspirin.'
- Confusing 'prescribe' (recommend treatment) with 'proscribe' (forbid).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym of 'prescribe' in a medical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Prescribe' means to officially recommend or order (e.g., medicine). 'Proscribe' means to forbid or outlaw something. They are often confused.
Yes. It is commonly used in legal, academic, and formal contexts to mean 'authoritatively lay down as a rule', e.g., 'The law prescribes a penalty.'
Yes, the ditransitive construction (SVOO) is standard, e.g., 'She prescribed me some cream.' The more formal alternative is 'She prescribed some cream for me.'
The primary noun is 'prescription'. 'Prescriber' refers to someone who prescribes (e.g., a doctor).
Collections
Part of a collection
Advanced Academic Verbs
C2 · 49 words · Sophisticated verbs for scholarly discourse.