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Prescribe vs Decree - What's the difference?

prescribe | decree | Synonyms |

Prescribe is a synonym of decree.


As verbs the difference between prescribe and decree

is that prescribe is to order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient while decree is to command by a decree.

As a noun decree is

an edict or law.

prescribe

English

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Usage notes

* The pronunciation with the stressed first syllable is normally used only when added distinction from (proscribe) is required.

Verb

(prescrib)
  • To order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient.
  • The doctor prescribed aspirin.
  • To specify as a required procedure or ritual; to lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Prescribe not us our duties.
  • * Dryden
  • Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.

    See also

    * proscribe English transitive verbs ----

    decree

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An edict or law.
  • * Bible, Luke ii. 1
  • There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree ?
  • (legal) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
  • (legal) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.
  • Usage notes

    * It is accurate to use the word judgment' for a decision of a '''court of law''', and '''decree''' from a ' court of equity , although the former term now includes both.

    Derived terms

    * (l) * (l) * (l) * (l)

    Verb

    (d)
  • To command by a decree.
  • A court decrees a restoration of property.
  • * Bible, Job xxii. 28
  • Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.

    Anagrams

    *