# prescribed

/pɹisˈkɹaɪbd/ (US) · /pɹɪskɹˈaɪbd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prescribed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. required by rules

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

following a set of rules or a specific way of doing things that has been officially decided.

For teachers: stipulated by official rules, regulations, or established procedures.

- All students must complete the prescribed reading before the first seminar.
- The committee rejected the proposal because it failed to follow the prescribed format for environmental impact assessments.

### 2. medical advice

verb · CEFR B2

when a doctor tells you to take a specific medicine or treatment.

For teachers: to advise or authorize the use of a medicine or treatment for someone, especially in writing.

- The doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection.
- The specialist prescribed a rigorous physical therapy regimen to ensure the patient regained full mobility after the surgery.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the medication or treatment.

### 3. setting a rule

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

to state officially what should be done in a particular situation.

For teachers: to lay down a rule or dictate a course of action to be followed.

- The law prescribes heavy fines for companies that pollute the river.
- The international treaty prescribes the specific conditions under which humanitarian aid must be distributed during a conflict.

## Examples

- The doctor prescribed antibiotics for my ear infection.
- After reviewing the blood test results, the specialist prescribed a lower dose of the medication to reduce side effects.
- 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.

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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.