The word "proscribe" is often confused with "prescribe" due to their similar spellings. However, they have different definitions and pronunciations. The IPA phonetic transcription for "proscribe" is /proʊˈskraɪb/, emphasizing the long "o" sound, and the stress on the second syllable. It means to forbid, prohibit or ban, usually by law or authority. So, next time you come across this word, remember that it is spelled with a "o" and means the opposite of "prescribe."
Proscribe is a verb that refers to the act of officially banning or prohibiting something, usually through the imposition of a legal or authoritative order. The term is derived from the Latin word "proscribere," which means to set forth publicly or declare openly against. When something is proscribed, it is deemed unacceptable or prohibited by a higher authority, often due to being considered morally wrong, illegal, or dangerous.
To proscribe something is to make it illegal or forbidden. This can apply to a wide range of things, such as activities, practices, substances, or ideas. For instance, a government may proscribe certain drugs, weapons, or terrorist organizations in order to maintain public safety and security. Similarly, a religious institution may proscribe certain behaviors or beliefs that are considered contrary to its teachings.
The act of proscribing often entails not only a ban but also the imposition of penalties or punishments for those who engage in the proscribed behavior or possess the proscribed items. Violating a proscription can lead to fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences, depending on the severity of the proscribed act.
Overall, to proscribe is to officially forbid or outlaw something, largely driven by concerns related to safety, ethics, legality, or societal norms. It serves as a means for regulating or controlling certain aspects of human behavior or society, and its implementation relies on the authority and power of those who establish and enforce the proscriptions.
To doom to destruction by writing down in a list; to put out of the protection of law; to banish; to outlaw; to prohibit or interdict.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "proscribe" derives from the Latin verb "proscribere", which combines the prefix "pro" (meaning "before") and the verb "scribere" (meaning "to write"). In ancient Rome, when individuals were sentenced to death or had their property confiscated, their names were typically publicly inscribed on a list known as a "proscriptio". This act of "writing publicly" was the origin of the term "proscribere" and later became associated with the concept of outlawing or condemning someone or something. Over time, "proscribe" has come to mean prohibiting or condemning officially, typically through legal or authoritative means.