# prescribe

/pɹəsˈkɹaɪb/ (US) · /pɹɪskɹˈaɪb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prescribe
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. medical treatment

verb · CEFR B2

to officially tell a patient to take a specific medicine or treatment.

For teachers: to authorize the use of a medicine or treatment for a patient, typically in writing. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the treatment.

- The doctor decided to prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
- After reviewing the blood test results, the specialist prescribed a lower dosage of the medication to minimize potential side effects.

Usage: Usually follows the pattern 'prescribe something for someone' or 'prescribe someone something'.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'subscribe'. Remind them that 'pre-' means before (the doctor writes it before you get the medicine).

### 2. to set a rule

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to state officially that a rule or way of doing something must be followed.

For teachers: to lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action. Often used in legal or formal administrative contexts.

- The law prescribes a heavy fine for anyone caught polluting the river.
- The international treaty prescribes the exact conditions under which diplomatic immunity may be revoked by a host nation.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'the punishment prescribed by law'.

Teaching tip: This is a high-level academic word. In everyday English, people usually say 'set the rules' or 'say what to do'.

## Examples

- The doctor will prescribe some medicine for your cough.
- The new law does not prescribe a specific punishment, leaving the final decision to the local judge.
- While the constitution does not explicitly prescribe a method for selection, historical precedent has established a rigorous vetting process for all potential candidates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.