prescribe
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for prescribe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — For a doctor or other licensed practitioner to formally order a medicine or treatment for a patient.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use prescribe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prescribe medication
prescribe a course of action
prescribed rules
Etymology
From Latin praescribere, "to write before" — from prae- ("before") and scribere ("to write").
Full origin of prescribe →Frequently asked questions
What does “prescribe” mean?
The word “prescribe” means for a doctor or other licensed practitioner to formally order a medicine or treatment for a patient. In plain terms, to officially order a treatment, or to set down a required rule or procedure.
How do you pronounce “prescribe”?
“Prescribe” is pronounced prih-SKRYB (/pɹɪˈskɹaɪb/ in IPA).
How do you use “prescribe” in a sentence?
Here is “prescribe” used in a sentence: “The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.”
What is the opposite of “prescribe”?
The opposite of “prescribe” — its antonyms — is proscribe.
What part of speech is “prescribe”?
“Prescribe” is a verb.
Where does the word “prescribe” come from?
The word “prescribe” comes from Latin. From Latin praescribere, "to write before" — from prae- ("before") and scribere ("to write").
Is “prescribe” a common word?
“Prescribe” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prescribe” have?
“Prescribe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: for a doctor or other licensed practitioner to formally order a medicine or treatment for a patient.
