What Is the Difference between "prescribe" and "proscribe"?
The Quick Answer
To proscribe means to forbid.
Prescribe
The verb to prescribe means to recommend or authorize.Examples:
- I have prescribed you a course of antibiotics.
- The law prescribes a minimum of 10 years' incarceration for your
offence.
Proscribe
The verb to proscribe means to forbid, to limit or to banish.Examples:
- These photos are worthless. Such images are proscribed by law.
- Police have been tracking three members of the group, which was proscribed in the 80s.
- Name one country that does not proscribe theft.
A Note from Teacher
Proscribe causes confusion because many do not expect a word that starts with pro to have such negative connotations. (As a preposition and a prefix, pro often means for or supportive of.)
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