Proscribe
/prəˈskraɪb/
verbC1
Definition
Proscribe means to officially say that something is not allowed, usually by a law, rule, or authority. When something is proscribed, people must not do it because it is considered wrong or dangerous.
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See It in Action
To officially forbid or ban something by law or authority
- •The government proscribed the use of harmful chemicals in farming.
- •Certain books were proscribed during the regime because they were seen as dangerous.
- •The school proscribes the use of mobile phones during exams.
To strongly disapprove or warn against something (less common, more formal)
- •The teacher proscribed cheating in the classroom.
- •The company proscribes any form of discrimination.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "proscribe" like "stop" or "no," but stronger because it is official and often legal
- ✓Picture a big red sign that says "No Entry" or "Forbidden" at a place or on an action
- ✓It's the feeling when you know you cannot do something because a rule or law says no
- ✓Sounds like "pro-SCRIBE" → imagine a doctor writing a note that says "do not do this" (scribe = write)
- ✓Think of a story where a king or government says certain actions or books are banned — that is proscribing
- ✓NOT like "describe" (which means to tell about something), "proscribe" means to forbid or ban something
- ✓NOT like "allow" or "permit" (which let you do something), "proscribe" is the opposite — it stops you
- ✓NOT like "suggest" or "advise" (which are gentle), "proscribe" is strong and official, like a law or rule
Try Other Words
- •Ban: to officially stop something from being done (Use when talking about laws or rules stopping actions)
- •Forbid: to say something is not allowed (Use in both formal and informal contexts)
- •Prohibit: to officially prevent something (Use when emphasizing formal or strict prevention)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pro-" (forward, before) + "scribe" (to write)
- •Etymology: From Latin "proscribere," meaning "to write publicly," originally used for writing names of people banned or punished
- •Historical development: In ancient Rome, proscribing meant listing people who were banned or punished by law
- •Modern usage: Now it means officially forbidding actions, items, or behaviors by law or authority
Reflect & Connect
•In what situations do you think a government should proscribe certain actions or items?
•How does understanding the word "proscribe" help you think about rules and laws in your own country?
Fill in the blanks
1.The city council proscribes the use of loud fireworks ___ the night to avoid noise problems.
2.When a behavior is proscribed by law, people must ___ it or face penalties.
3.Unlike simple advice, proscribe means an official ___ against something.
4.The school proscribes mobile phones during exams to prevent ___.
5.Laws that proscribe harmful substances are made to protect ___ health.
6.If a government proscribes a book, it usually means the book is ___ or dangerous.
7.When something is proscribed, it is often ___ by an authority like a government or organization.