ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prescribing

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //pɹisˈkɹaɪbɪŋ// UK //pɹɪskɹˈaɪbɪŋ// pre·scrib·ing

v. to write an official note that allows a patient to get a specific medicine. It can also mean to state a rule that people must follow.

v. authorising the use of a medicine or treatment for a patient, typically in writing. In a broader sense, it involves laying down a rule or course of action to be followed.


SIMPLE

The doctor is prescribing antibiotics for your ear infection.

CONTEXTUAL

After reviewing the test results, the specialist began prescribing a new course of treatment to manage the patient's symptoms.

COMPLEX

The committee is currently prescribing new guidelines for urban development, aiming to balance environmental sustainability with the urgent need for affordable housing in the city center.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes an indirect object (the patient) and a direct object (the medicine).

Pitfall

The doctor is proscribing medicine.The doctor is prescribing medicine.Learners confuse 'prescribe' (to authorize or advise) with 'proscribe' (to forbid or condemn).

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