Proscribed vs. Prescribed — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
Proscribed refers to something being forbidden or outlawed, while prescribed implies that something is recommended or set down as a rule.
Difference Between Proscribed and Prescribed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Proscription often relates to actions or practices that are officially banned or deemed unacceptable by authority, carrying a negative connotation of prohibition and exclusion. In contrast, prescription involves the establishment of guidelines, recommendations, or rules, often with an authoritative or expert backing, suggesting a positive endorsement or requirement for a specific course of action.
The term "proscribed" is commonly used in legal, social, and political contexts to denote activities, substances, or behaviors that are not just discouraged but actively forbidden, potentially under penalty. On the other hand, "prescribed" is frequently employed in medical, legal, and procedural contexts to indicate what should be done according to a set of standards, regulations, or professional advice.
Proscription implies a boundary or limit being set to safeguard the public, maintain order, or uphold moral standards, often resulting in the exclusion or punishment of those who breach these boundaries. Conversely, prescription aims to guide, direct, or manage actions and decisions towards an approved or beneficial outcome, emphasizing compliance and adherence for optimal results.
While the act of proscribing often involves an explicit or formal declaration of what is forbidden, prescribing usually entails the provision of detailed instructions, guidelines, or rules designed to ensure a specific outcome or behavior.
Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for accurate communication, particularly in contexts where the authority, legality, and ethical implications of actions and guidelines are at stake.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Forbidden or outlawed
Recommended or set down as a rule
Connotation
Negative, implying prohibition
Positive, implying endorsement
Contexts
Legal, social, political
Medical, legal, procedural
Purpose
To exclude or punish unacceptable actions
To guide or ensure specific outcomes
Implication
Boundary setting, prohibition
Direction giving, recommendation
Compare with Definitions
Proscribed
Officially banned or forbidden.
The substance was proscribed by law.
Prescribed
Officially recommended or required.
The doctor prescribed rest and medication for recovery.
Proscribed
Associated with maintaining order.
The government proscribed the group to preserve peace.
Prescribed
Aimed at achieving positive outcomes.
A healthy diet is often prescribed for weight management.
Proscribed
Carries implications of exclusion.
Certain practices are proscribed in that community.
Prescribed
Associated with authority or expertise.
Safety measures are prescribed by industry regulations.
Proscribed
Often involves penalties.
Proscribed activities can lead to severe legal consequences.
Prescribed
Involves setting guidelines or rules.
The protocol prescribes the steps for emergency procedures.
Proscribed
Used in contexts of restriction.
The use of hazardous chemicals is proscribed in food production.
Prescribed
Used in contexts of guidance and regulation.
Specific treatments are prescribed for that condition.
Proscribed
To prohibit; forbid
Foods that are proscribed by religious dietary laws.
Prescribed
To set down as a rule, law, or direction
Prescribed the terms of the surrender.
Proscribed
To denounce or condemn
"The small sins of natural pleasure that we see ... mildly proscribed in the confession manuals of the late Middle Ages" (James Turner).
Prescribed
To order the use of (a medicine or other treatment).
Proscribed
To banish or outlaw (a person)
"Emperors took it on themselves to proscribe heretics" (Garry Wills).
Prescribed
To establish rules, laws, or directions.
Proscribed
To publish the name of (a person) as outlawed.
Prescribed
To order a medicine or other treatment.
Proscribed
Simple past tense and past participle of proscribe
Prescribed
Simple past tense and past participle of prescribe
Proscribed
Excluded from use or mention;
Forbidden fruit
In our house dancing and playing cards were out
A taboo subject
Prescribed
Of a procedure, specified to a great degree of detail; established as following a strict procedure or set of rules.
Short-term energy monitoring tuning follows a very prescribed procedure; building shell parameters are adjusted first, then HVAC efficiency.
Prescribed
Set down as a rule or guide
Prescribed
Fixed or established especially by order or command;
At the time appointed (or the appointed time
Prescribed
Conforming to set usage, procedure, or discipline;
In prescribed order
Prescribed
Formally laid down or imposed;
Positive laws
Common Curiosities
Can something be proscribed globally?
Certain substances or practices, like specific drugs or human rights violations, can be proscribed by international law or agreements, making them globally forbidden.
How does a government decide what to proscribe?
Governments typically decide to proscribe activities based on laws, regulations, and ethical standards aimed at protecting public safety, health, and welfare.
Are there consequences for not following prescribed guidelines?
Yes, not following prescribed guidelines, especially in medical or legal contexts, can result in ineffective treatment, legal penalties, or other negative outcomes.
What is a commonly prescribed medication for a cold?
For a common cold, over-the-counter medications for symptoms relief are commonly recommended, as there's no prescription medication to cure a cold itself.
Can societal norms influence what is proscribed?
Yes, societal norms and cultural values significantly influence what is considered unacceptable or forbidden, thus affecting what is proscribed.
Is a prescription always medical?
While commonly associated with medical treatment, a prescription can also refer to any set of recommended guidelines or rules, not just medication.
Can a behavior be both proscribed and prescribed?
While a specific behavior cannot be both forbidden and recommended in the same context, different aspects or contexts could lead to proscribing certain behaviors while prescribing others.
How are proscribed substances regulated in different countries?
The regulation of proscribed substances varies by country, with different legal frameworks and enforcement strategies governing their prohibition.
How is a proscribed list enforced?
Proscribed lists are enforced through legal and regulatory mechanisms, including monitoring, penalties, and education about the prohibitions.
How do historical contexts affect proscription?
Historical contexts can greatly affect what is proscribed, as societal values and legal standards evolve, leading to changes in what is considered unacceptable.
Can an organization proscribe behaviors within its community?
Yes, organizations can proscribe certain behaviors within their communities by establishing codes of conduct that forbid specific actions.
What role do professionals play in prescribing?
Professionals, such as doctors or legal advisors, play a crucial role in prescribing by providing expert advice, treatment plans, or guidelines based on their knowledge and experience.
What happens when a proscribed practice becomes accepted?
When a proscribed practice becomes accepted, it often involves legal and societal shifts that lead to the removal of prohibitions and possibly the establishment of new guidelines or prescriptions.
What's an example of a prescribed ritual in cultures?
Many cultures have prescribed rituals for milestones like marriages or funerals, detailing specific ceremonies and practices to be followed.
Can technological advancements lead to new proscriptions?
Yes, as technology advances, new practices or capabilities might be proscribed to address potential ethical, privacy, or safety concerns.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
