proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce proscription (audio)
1
: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2
: an imposed restraint or restriction : prohibition
proscriptive adjective
proscriptively adverb

Examples of proscription in a Sentence

the proscription against bicycles and skateboards is intended to make the plaza a more pedestrian-friendly place a strongly worded proscription against smoking indoors
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At least 24 of the 32 teams had to be in lockstep with the proscription, and the vote fell just short with 10 teams reportedly opposing the ban. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Recruitment, through ads and direct outreach to religious communities, proved difficult, especially for religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism; religious proscriptions against mind-altering substances may have played a role. Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 The essence of the Lost Cause was that the Civil War was not lost and could yet be won by new forms of racial proscription; for white supremacists, the Jim Crow era of disfranchisement, segregation, and one-party Democratic rule in the South was that promise vindicated. Made By History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 Rasoulof shifts his tale into a cautionary proscription that is artful and mythic. Armond White, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proscription

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proscripcion, from Latin proscription-, proscriptio, from proscribere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proscription was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proscription. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

proscription

noun
pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce proscription (audio)
1
: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2

Legal Definition

proscription

noun
pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce proscription (audio)
1
: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2
: an imposed restraint or restriction
proscriptive adjective
proscriptively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on proscription

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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