proscribe

verb

pro·​scribe prō-ˈskrīb 

proscribed; proscribing

transitive verb

1

: to publish the name of as condemned to death with the property of the condemned forfeited to the state

2

: to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful : prohibit

proscriber noun

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Proscribe vs. Prescribe

Proscribe and prescribe each have a Latin-derived prefix that means "before" attached to the verb "scribe" (from scribere, meaning "to write"). Yet the two words have very distinct, often nearly opposite meanings. Why? In a way, you could say it's the law. In the 15th and 16th centuries both words had legal implications. To proscribe was to publish the name of a person who had been condemned, outlawed, or banished. To prescribe meant "to lay down a rule," including legal rules or orders.

Synonyms

• ban
• bar
• enjoin
• forbid
• interdict
• outlaw
• prohibit

Examples of proscribe in a Sentence

acts that are proscribed by law

regulations proscribe the use of electronic devices on board a plane while it is landing

Recent Examples on the Web

Western forces should not be deployed to fight in Ukraine, and the use of Western weapons against civilian targets within Russia should be proscribed. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2024

See, for instance, the efforts to mitigate the harms of drug use as opposed to proscribing individuals’ activities. —Christine Emba, The Atlantic, 8 July 2024

The United States is only further isolating itself and diminishing our declining prestige in the eyes of the rest of the world with his wish to proscribe only those who are not in his favor. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024

In most universities, physical confrontations, the targeting of individuals with threats or harassment, and the disruption of campus activities are explicitly proscribed. —Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin proscribere to publish, proscribe, from pro- before + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

proscribe

verb

pro·​scribe prō-ˈskrīb 

proscribed; proscribing

: prohibit sense 1

Legal Definition

proscribe

transitive verb

pro·​scribe prō-ˈskrīb 

proscribed; proscribing

: to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful

Etymology

Latin proscribere to publish, proscribe, from pro- before + scribere to write