transitive verb prescribed -·scribed′, prescribing -·scrib′·ing

1. to set down as a rule or direction; order; ordain; direct
2. to order or advise as a medicine or treatment: said of physicians, etc.
3. Law to invalidate or outlaw by negative prescription

Etymology: L praescribere < prae-, before + scribere, to write: see pre- & scribe

intransitive verb

1. to set down or impose rules; dictate
2. to give medical advice or prescriptions
3. Law
   1. to claim a right or title through long use or possession
   2. to become invalidated or outlawed by negative prescription