Cool MatePrescribe
UK /["/prɪˈskraɪb/","/prɪˈskraɪbz/","/prɪˈskraɪbd/","/prɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/US /["/prɪˈskraɪb/","/prɪˈskraɪbz/","/prɪˈskraɪbd/","/prɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to tell somebody to take a particular medicine or have a particular treatment; to write a prescription for a particular medicine, etc.
In simple words: To tell someone they need to take a medicine.
Examples
- Valium is usually prescribed to treat anxiety.
- He may be able to prescribe you something for that cough.
- The drug can no longer be legally prescribed.
- These drugs are widely prescribed to control high blood pressure.
- This drug is often prescribed for women with heart trouble.
- The prescribed form must be completed and returned to this office.
- Police regulations prescribe that an officer's number must be clearly visible.
- The syllabus prescribes precisely which books should be studied.
- The curriculum is rigidly prescribed from an early age.
- culturally prescribed gender roles
Usage notes
Use 'prescribe' in medical contexts when a doctor recommends treatment. Avoid using it in casual settings or non-medical conversations.
Grammar pattern
prescribe + object (usually medicine)
Memory hint
Imagine a doctor writing a 'prescription' for medicine.
Collocations
- legally
- commonly
- frequently
- as
- for
- to
- narrowly
- rigidly
- strictly
- culturally prescribed
- socially prescribed
Synonyms
- stipulate
Antonyms
- proscribe
- forbid
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'proscribe', which means to forbid.
- Using 'prescribe' for non-medical advice (e.g., lifestyle changes).
- Incorrectly using it with subjects; 'The doctor prescribes' not 'The doctor prescribe.'