Words / C1

pr-uh-SKRYB/prəˈskraɪb/

To proscribe is to forbid something officially, especially by law (the trap is prescribe, which means recommend): the cap proscribes overflow, proscribe a cut. Ban (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a slogan cannot waive a cap.

Meaning

To forbid something officially, especially by law (from ban, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “The cap proscribes overflow; a slogan cannot waive it.”
• “Ban is already in this course. Forbid is already in this course. A slogan is comms. A number on a certificate is the rule. Keep the number; then keep the slogan if the cap still holds.”

Good to know

Officially forbid. Everyday: ban (already in the dictionary). Opposite of recommend. A slogan ≠ a waived cap.

Near in meaning

forbid, ban, outlaw

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