WordWeb Online

1. Set down as a rule or guide
    
2. Fixed or established especially by order or command
   "at the time prescribed";
   - appointed, decreed, ordained
    
3. Conforming to set usage, procedure, or discipline
   "in prescribed order";
   - official
    
4. Formally laid down or imposed
   "prescribed laws";
   - positive

1. Issue commands or orders for
   - order, dictate
    
2. Recommend as beneficial
   "my mother prescribes a good night's sleep as the cure for all ills"
    
3. (medicine) order the use of (a treatment, medicine, etc.), usually by written prescription
   "the doctor prescribed steroids for my ear trouble"
    
4. Suggest, order or authorize (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient
   "It's important to diagnose before you prescribe"

See also: formal, nonarbitrary, regular, settled, unarbitrary

Type of: advocate, bring down, encourage, enjoin, impose, inflict, obtrude, order, recommend, say, tell, urge, visit

Encyclopedia: Prescribe