• 2-minute read
• 31st July 2014

Word Choice: Proscribe vs. Prescribe

Although they sound similar, ‘proscribe’ and ‘prescribe’ mean different things. If you’re unsure which is which, learn their definitions and spellings below.

Proscribe (Forbid)

The word ‘proscribe’ is a verb meaning ‘forbid, ban or condemn’. It is often used in legal contexts, so something which is ‘proscribed’ is illegal.

It can also be used by other institutions and bodies, such as religions, to condemn or outlaw certain people or practices. For example:

Remarrying after divorce is proscribed by the Catholic church.

Something that has been ‘proscribed’ is a ‘proscription’.

Prescribe (Recommend)

The word ‘prescribe’ is a verb which is most often used in medical contexts to mean ‘recommending a course of drugs or treatment’. As well as drugs and medicine, activities and courses of action are sometimes ‘prescribed’, such as making dietary changes or taking light exercise.

More generally, when not referring to medicine, ‘prescribe’ means to recommend, stipulate or lay down as a rule. Something that has been ‘prescribed’ is a ‘prescription’.

The Difference

Of these two words, ‘prescribe’ is fairly common, while ‘proscribe’ is mostly seen in formal contexts, including academic writing and reports.

Moreover, these words have almost opposite meanings: to ‘proscribe’ is to ban or forbid, while to ‘prescribe’ is to recommend or stipulate. Using the incorrect word can thus completely change the meaning of a sentence:

• ‘Swimming is proscribed.’
• ‘Swimming is prescribed.’

The first sentence above would mean you should avoid the pool; the second sentence is recommending that you get in the water right away! Make sure you know which word you mean and spell it correctly to avoid confusion.