ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prescribed

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //pɹisˈkɹaɪbd// UK //pɹɪskɹˈaɪbd// pre·scribed

v. to tell someone what medicine they should take or what treatment they need. Doctors usually write this on a special piece of paper so you can get the medicine at a pharmacy.

v. to advise or authorise the use of a medicine or treatment for someone, especially in writing. Transitive — requires a direct object, typically the medication or the course of action.


SIMPLE

The doctor prescribed antibiotics for my ear infection.

CONTEXTUAL

After reviewing the blood test results, the specialist prescribed a lower dose of the medication to reduce side effects.

COMPLEX

Medical guidelines suggest that doctors should only prescribe these specific painkillers when other, less potent treatments have failed to provide the patient with sufficient relief.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice ('was prescribed') when the focus is on the patient.

Pitfall

The doctor prescribed me some pills.The doctor prescribed some pills for me.Prescribe does not take an indirect object for the person; use 'for' to indicate the recipient.

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