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Proscribe vs Outlaw - What's the difference?

proscribe | outlaw | Synonyms |

As verbs the difference between proscribe and outlaw

is that proscribe is to forbid or prohibit while outlaw is to declare illegal.

As a noun outlaw is

a fugitive from the law.

proscribe

English

Usage notes

* The latter pronunciation is used when added distinction from (prescribe) is desired.

Verb

(proscrib)
  • To forbid or prohibit.
  • To denounce.
  • To banish or exclude.
  • Usage notes

    * Avoid the erroneous construction “proscribe against”; substitute “proscribe” alone or the phrase “pre scribe against”.

    Antonyms

    * prescribe

    outlaw

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A fugitive from the law.
  • A person who is excluded from normal legal rights.
  • A person who operates outside established norms.
  • The main character of the play was a bit of an outlaw who refused to shake hands or say thank you.
  • A wild horse.
  • (humorous) An in-law: a relative by marriage.
  • Synonyms

    * (person that operates outside established norms) anti-hero

    Verb

    (outlaw)
  • To declare illegal
  • To place a ban upon
  • To remove from legal jurisdiction or enforcement.
  • to outlaw a debt or claim
  • To deprive of legal force.
  • Laws outlawed by necessity. — Fuller.