Prescribe vs Proscribe: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Prescribe" means to prescribe or recommend, while "proscribe" is used to mean officially prohibit.
Memory Tip: prescribe = doctors write, proscribe = prohibit actions
prescribe starts with /prɪ/, proscribe starts with /proʊ/
prescribe
verbTo prescribe is to officially recommend or dictate a course of action, typically in a professional context, such as in medicine, law, or policy-making, where it implies a degree of authority and expertise in determining appropriate measures or treatments
Example:
The doctor decided to prescribe a new course of medication to manage the patient's chronic condition, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to the dosage instructions.
Common patterns:
prescribe medication
prescribe guidelines
prescribe a course of action
proscribe /prəˈskraɪb/
verbTo officially forbid or prohibit something, especially by law or regulation.
Example:
In a society that values freedom of speech, any attempt to proscribe certain opinions or ideas, no matter how controversial, is met with fierce resistance and debate over the boundaries of censorship.
Common patterns:
proscribe by law
proscribe certain activities
proscribe a group
Common Mistakes
The doctor proscribed antibiotics for my infection.
The doctor prescribed antibiotics for my infection.
The word 'prescribed' is correct because the doctor is recommending a treatment.
The new law prescribes the use of plastic bags in the city.
The new law proscribes the use of plastic bags in the city.
The word 'proscribes' is correct because the law is officially prohibiting the use of plastic bags.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The doctor decided to ____ a new course of medication to manage the patient's chronic condition, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to the dosage instructions.
2. In a society that values freedom of speech, any attempt to ____ certain opinions or ideas, no matter how controversial, is met with fierce resistance and debate over the boundaries of censorship.
Other Confusing Words
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