prescribe

prescribe — pre·scribe /pri skrīb/ vb pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing vi 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… …   Law dictionary

Prescribe — Pre*scribe , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Prescribed}; p. pr & vb. n. {Prescribing}.] [L. praescribere, praescriptum; prae before + scriebe to write. See {Scribe}.] [1913 Webster] 1. To lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Prescribe — Pre*scribe , v. i. 1. To give directions; to dictate. [1913 Webster] A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions. Locke. [1913 Webster] 2. To influence by long use [Obs.] Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster] 3. (Med.) To write or to give medical… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

prescribe — 1 *dictate, ordain, decree, impose Analogous words: order, *command, enjoin, bid: exact, *demand, require 2 Prescribe, assign, define mean to fix arbitrarily or authoritatively for the sake of order or of a clear understanding. Prescribe stresses …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

prescribe — prescribe, proscribe A single letter distinguishes two words of very different meaning. A prescribed book (for example) is one that is chosen for a course of study, whereas a proscribed book is one that is forbidden or banned. Prescribe also has… …   Modern English usage

prescribe — ► VERB 1) recommend and authorize the use of (a medicine or treatment). 2) state authoritatively that (an action or procedure) should be carried out. USAGE On the confusion between prescribe and proscribe, see the note at PROSCRIBE(Cf.… …   English terms dictionary

prescribe — (v.) to write down as a direction, mid 15c., from L. praescribere (see PRESCRIPTION (Cf. prescription)). Related: Prescribed; prescribing …   Etymology dictionary

prescribe — [v] stipulate action to be taken appoint, assign, choose, command, decide, decree, define, designate, determine, dictate, direct, enjoin, establish, fix, guide, impose, lay down, ordain, order, pick out, require, rule, select, set, settle,… …   New thesaurus

prescribe — [prē skrīb′, priskrīb′] vt. prescribed, prescribing [L praescribere < prae , before + scribere, to write: see PRE & SCRIBE] 1. to set down as a rule or direction; order; ordain; direct 2. to order or advise as a medicine or treatment: said of… …   English World dictionary

prescribe — v. 1) (D; tr.) to prescribe for (to prescribe a remedy for the common cold) 2) (formal) (L; subj.) regulations prescribe that a lawyer draw up/should draw up the papers * * * [prɪ skraɪb] (formal) (L; subj.) regulations prescribe that a lawyer… …   Combinatory dictionary

prescribe — verb (T) 1 to say what medicine or treatment a sick person should have: prescribe sb sth: If these don t work I may have to prescribe you something stronger. | prescribe sth for sth: one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English