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Proscribe: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Proscribe verb. To forbid or ban something officially.
How to say it
pruh-SKRIBE/prəˈskrʌɪb/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (SKRIBE). Forms: proscribed.
Proscribe in a sentence
The group was proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
Many faiths proscribe certain foods.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- ban
- forbid
- outlaw
- prohibit
Opposite:
- allow
- permit
- prescribe
Usage note
Proscribe means ban; prescribe means order or recommend. A doctor prescribes a drug that the law may proscribe for everyone else.
Don’t confuse with prescribe
prescribe (verb): To recommend a medicine or treatment, or to lay down officially what must be done.
Where proscribe comes from
From Latin proscribere, to publish in writing, used of posting up the names of outlaws in ancient Rome.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Many faiths _____ certain foods.
- proscribe
- elicit
- appraise
Show the answer
proscribe: Many faiths proscribe certain foods.