proscribe

USAGE SUMMARY

"proscribe" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an intransitive verb meaning "to forbid or interdict (something)" and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Example sentence: The government proscribed the sale of dangerous drugs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are now more legal drugs on sale than were even dreamed of when the first global drug laws were written: the 1961 and 1971 UN drug conventions proscribe just 234.

The Guardian

Usually its nothing fancy: I tend to proscribe an all-body workout using high reps and light weights.

The Guardian - Sport

The best that can be said is that they do not altogether proscribe it.

The Economist

Another factor is the dwindling adherence to fady, a Malagasy tradition of taboos which proscribe harming tortoises, explains Andrew Terry, of Durrell.Concerned about the uptick in seizures of tortoises Durrell, the Turtle Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund and other NGOs active on the island asked the Malagasy government to ramp up enforcement of existing protections.

The Economist

In addition to the power, granted after this week's defeat, to hold terrorist suspects without charge for up to 28 days, the government wants the right to proscribe extremist groups.

The Economist

Although the United States last year listed the Tigers as one of 30 "foreign terrorist organisations", she had been reluctant to proscribe them and thus end the tentative links that have kept peace hopes alive.

The Economist

The government will "challenge" rather than proscribe non-violent reactionaries.

The Economist

By doing so, the amendment would empower the government to do much more than proscribe speech.I agree with Mr Will that the amendment is therefore an extremely bad idea.

The Economist

It claims torture can be justified on three grounds.First, it narrows the definition of torture, saying American law "was intended to proscribe only the most egregious conduct".

The Economist

In a communiqué posted on their website and signed by their ruling secretariat, they announced they would "proscribe the practice [of kidnapping] as part of our revolutionary actions".

The Economist

We must also proscribe organisations that incite terrorism against people at home and abroad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proscribe" when you want to convey a formal and authoritative prohibition, often in legal or moral contexts. For example, "The new regulations proscribe the use of certain chemicals."

Common error

Avoid confusing "proscribe" (to forbid) with "prescribe" (to recommend or order). Remember that "proscribe" is about what you cannot do, while "prescribe" is about what you should do.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "proscribe" is as a transitive verb. It typically takes a direct object, indicating what is being forbidden. Ludwig AI provides many examples of its use in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proscribe" is a transitive verb that signifies formally forbidding or prohibiting something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness. While frequently seen in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it's important to distinguish it from "prescribe". For alternative phrasing, consider "forbid", "prohibit", or "ban" depending on the specific context. Its presence in authoritative sources highlights its relevance in various formal domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forbid

A direct synonym, but often used in less formal contexts.

prohibit

Similar to "proscribe", often used in legal or official settings.

ban

A more general term for forbidding something.

outlaw

Implies declaring something illegal.

interdict

Suggests a formal or authoritative prohibition.

enjoin

Commands or directs someone to refrain from doing something, often legally.

restrict

Limits or controls something.

condemn

Expresses strong disapproval or censure.

suppress

Prevents something from developing or being expressed.

inhibit

Restrains or prevents an action or process.

FAQs

How can I use "proscribe" in a sentence?

You can use "proscribe" to indicate a formal prohibition. For instance, "The law "proscribes discrimination" based on race or gender".

What words can I use instead of "proscribe"?

Alternatives to "proscribe" include "forbid", "prohibit", or "ban", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "proscribe" and "prescribe"?

"Proscribe" means to forbid or prohibit, while "prescribe" means to recommend or order. They are antonyms and should not be confused.

Is it correct to say something is "proscribed"?

Yes, it is correct. "Proscribed" is the past participle of "proscribe" and can be used to describe something that has been forbidden or prohibited, such as "The practice was "proscribed by law"".