prescribe
gb/pɹəskɹˈaɪb/ us/pɹəskɹˈaɪb/
B1
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Authorize medicine or treatment
To tell someone to take a certain medicine or get a certain treatment.
Usage pattern:
to prescribe [medicine/treatment] for [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'prescribe' with 'proscribe'. 'Prescribe' means to recommend or authorize something, especially medicine; 'proscribe' means to forbid it.
Synonyms
order (In medical context, means to officially request or direct the use of a treatment.)
|
recommend (Less formal; suggests but does not formally authorize treatment.)
Antonyms
withhold (To choose not to give or authorize a medicine or treatment.)
Collocations
prescribe medication
|prescribe antibiotics
|prescribe treatment
|prescribe drugs
Themes
health
|medicine
|daily life
|daily_life
Examples
- The doctor prescribed antibiotics for her infection.
- Physicians often prescribe rest and fluids for the flu.
- My dentist prescribed a special mouthwash to prevent gum disease.
Learner examples
- The doctor prescribed pills for my cough.
- She prescribed eye drops for me.
- He prescribed a cream for my skin.
Verb
formal
B2
action
2
State required rules or actions
To say in an official way what must be done.
Usage pattern:
to prescribe that [something] (be) [done]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with giving medical advice; here it refers to setting rules, not medicine.
Synonyms
stipulate (Specifies terms or conditions formally.)
|
mandate (Requires something by authority.)
Antonyms
allow (Permits without setting rules or restrictions.)
Collocations
prescribe procedures
|prescribe standards
|prescribe limits
Themes
law
|government
|regulation
|politics
Examples
- The law prescribes heavy penalties for tax evasion.
- The regulations prescribe how the equipment should be maintained.
- Company policy prescribes that all employees wear ID badges.
Learner examples
- The rules prescribe quiet after 10 p.m.
- The law prescribes seat belts in cars.
- The teacher prescribes homework every week.
Verb
formal
B2
action
3
Recommend as beneficial
To say something is good to do for a problem or need.
Usage pattern:
to prescribe [something] for [a purpose]
Synonyms
advocate (Supports or recommends publicly.)
|
urge (Strongly advises, often with emotion.)
Antonyms
discourage (Advises against doing something.)
Collocations
prescribe exercise
|prescribe diet changes
Themes
advice
|health
|guidance
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Experts prescribe regular exercise to maintain heart health.
- The coach prescribed daily practice to improve performance.
- Many nutritionists prescribe more vegetables in the diet.
Learner examples
- My doctor prescribed more walking for my health.
- He prescribed rest after the long trip.
- She prescribed reading every day to improve English.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prescribe
IPA
GB/pɹəskɹˈaɪb/
US/pɹəskɹˈaɪb/
Syllables & stress
pre - scribe (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (scribe)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: prescribe
- 3rd Person Singular: prescribes
- Present Participle: prescribing
- Past: prescribed
Word family
Forms
prescribes
verb
prescribing
verb
prescribed
verb
Core family
prescription
noun A2
Related words
prescriber
noun
prescriptive
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
nonprescription
adjective
Expressions
as prescribed by law
1/ˈæz pɹiskɹˈaɪbd bˈaɪ lˈɔ/
fixed phrase
formal
According to legal requirements
As the law says must be done.
Examples
- All documents must be submitted as prescribed by law.
- Safety equipment should be used as prescribed by law.
prescribe medicine
1/pɹəskɹˈaɪb mˈɛdɪsən/
fixed phrase
Authorize patient to take medicine
To officially tell a patient to take a certain medicine.
Examples
- Doctors often prescribe medicine for high blood pressure.
- She went to the clinic so the nurse could prescribe medicine for her child.
prescribe treatment
1/pɹəskɹˈaɪb tɹˈitmənt/
fixed phrase
Authorize patient treatment plan
To officially tell a patient to follow a certain medical treatment plan.
Examples
- The physician will prescribe treatment after reviewing the test results.
- Specialists can prescribe treatment tailored to each patient's needs.
prescribed medication
1/pɹiskɹˈaɪbd mˌɛdɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Medication authorized by doctor
Medicine a doctor says you should take.
Examples
- He forgot to take his prescribed medication this morning.
- The pharmacist will give you your prescribed medication.