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proscribe

verb
proĀ·​scribe | \ prō-ĖˆskrÄ«b How to pronounce proscribe (audio) \
proscribed; proscribing

Definition of proscribe

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
Other Words from proscribe Synonyms & Antonyms Proscribe vs. Prescribe Example Sentences Learn More about proscribe

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Other Words from proscribe

proscriber noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for proscribe

Synonyms

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit

Antonyms

allow, let, permit, suffer

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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.

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

 The bottom line is that for far too long, college athletes have been one of the only subsets of American society who have been proscribed from accepting compensation that someone else is more than willing to give them. — Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, "NCAA drops a fight it never should have started," 18 July 2019 In an ideal world, where homosexuality was not only never legally proscribed, but also never the target of intense and widespread social stigma, this would be true. — James Kirchick, The New York Review of Books, "James Kirchick," 10 Jan. 2019 Unlike most west African countries, Senegal has never had a military coup, but in 2012 the previous president, Abdoulaye Wade, did run for a third term, which the constitution proscribes. — The Economist, "Senegalā€™s democracy is being tested by its president," 28 June 2018 Louisiana proscribes the naming of public buildings for living persons. — Drew Broach, NOLA.com, "Louisiana forbids naming public buildings for living persons; here's the latest exception," 25 May 2018 The bottom line is that for far too long, college athletes have been one of the only subsets of American society who have been proscribed from accepting compensation that someone else is more than willing to give them. — Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, "NCAA drops a fight it never should have started," 18 July 2019 Aside from the aforementioned provision in Washington D.C., there are no other punishments proscribed in the US Code. — Eliott C. Mclaughlin, CNN, "If you love the American flag, make sure you're treating her right," 4 July 2019 Colonial laws proscribed the death penalty for these acts. — Michael Bronski, Time, "The Radical Woman Whose 19th Century Ideas Still Undergird the LGBTQ-Rights Movement," 25 June 2019 The new Regulation Best Interest proscribes some of the most offensive sales tactics of an industry replete with them. — Barry Ritholtz, latimes.com, "SECā€™s new ā€˜best interestā€™ rule is just a guideline, and not best for investors," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proscribe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of proscribe

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for proscribe

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

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More Definitions for proscribe

proscribe

verb
How to pronounce proscribe (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of proscribe

formal : to make (something) illegal : to not allow (something)

See the full definition for proscribe in the English Language Learners Dictionary

proscribe

transitive verb
proĀ·​scribe | \ prō-ĖˆskrÄ«b How to pronounce proscribe (audio) \
proscribed; proscribing

Legal Definition of proscribe

: to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful

History and Etymology for proscribe

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on proscribe

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with proscribe

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proscribe

Spanish Central: Translation of proscribe

Nglish: Translation of proscribe for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of proscribe for Arabic Speakers

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