Master confusing words with ease
Prescribe vs. Proscribe
Prescribe
/prɪˈskraɪb/Examples:
The doctor prescribed suralimentation for Father Kleinsorge.A warm climate may be prescribed for her.The law prescribes strict penalties for violations.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Proscribe
/prəʊˈskraɪb/Examples:
The government may proscribe certain movements.It's unjust to proscribe people's freedom of speech.Some ancient cultures would proscribe the use of specific herbs.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Prescribe contains the word pre, suggesting it is something done before a situation or in advance, like writing a medical prescription to address a future issue or condition.
- Think of proscribe as similar to prohibit since both mean to forbid something—notice the pro in both words.
- Prescribe often relates to medical or authoritative directions or recommendations, while proscribe relates to legal or formal prohibitions.
- Doctors prescribe medications because they have the authority to give directions; however, laws or authorities proscribe actions because those actions are banned.
- Remember that medications can be prescribed for health issues, but activities or items can be proscribed by law to forbid them.
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