# prescribe

> English word · Verb · IPA /pɹɪˈskɹaɪb/ · frequency rank #17,449

## Definitions
1. To order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient (under licensed authority).
2. To specify by writing as a required procedure or ritual; to lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action.
3. To develop or assert a right; to make a claim (by prescription).
4. To become invalidated or unenforceable by prescription, to lapse

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin praescrībere, from prae- (“before, in front”) and scrībere (“to write”).

## Easily confused with
- **prescribed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/prescribe-vs-prescribed)

## Common misspellings (14)
`perscribe`, `pprescribe`, `precsribe`, `presccribe`, `prescirbe`, `prescrbie`, `prescribbe`, `prescrieb`, `prescrribe`, `presrcibe`, `presscribe`, `prrescribe`, `prsecribe`, `rpescribe`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/prescribe