“Prescribe” and “proscribe” are two terms that sound similar but have very different meanings. One involves setting rules or giving orders, while the other refers to forbidding or prohibiting something. Understanding their distinctions will help you use them correctly in various contexts.
Prescribe
Definition:
“Prescribe” means to set down a rule, guideline, or order, or to recommend a course of action, such as medical treatment.
Examples:
The labor law prescribes a standard 40-hour workweek.
The doctor will prescribe a stronger medication for the patient.
The school regulations prescribe appropriate behavior during examinations.
Proscribe
Definition:
“Proscribe” means to condemn, forbid, or officially prohibit something, often in a legal or formal context.
Examples:
The government proscribed certain political activities deemed harmful.
The Food and Drug Administration proscribed the use of Laetrile years ago.
The new law will proscribe smoking in all public places.
While “prescribe” refers to setting rules or giving recommendations, particularly in medicine or law, “proscribe” means to forbid or prohibit something. These two words have opposite meanings, so using them accurately will ensure clarity in your writing and conversations.
