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Proscribes vs Prescribes - What's the difference?

proscribes | prescribes |

As verbs the difference between proscribes and prescribes

is that proscribes is (proscribe) while prescribes is (prescribe).

proscribes

English

Verb

(head)
  • (proscribe)
  • ----

    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

    prescribes

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • (prescribe)
  • ----

    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 ----