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GRE vocabulary

proscribe

verbHigh-frequency wordMore P words

to forbid something officially or condemn it

Word origin: From Latin proscribere, to publish in writing as condemned.

In a sentence

Proscribe in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing proscribe in a sentence.

The new code proscribed any gifts from vendors to officials.

The new statute proscribed the sale of the chemical without a special license.

Synonyms
prohibitforbidbanoutlaw
Antonyms
permitallowsanction
Usage & nuance

Using “proscribe” well

Proscribe means to forbid or condemn officially. It is a classic GRE trap with prescribe, its near opposite, which means to recommend or order.

Common questions

Questions about “proscribe

Proscribe (verb) means to forbid something officially or condemn it
Here is proscribe used in an example sentence: "The new code proscribed any gifts from vendors to officials." Another example: "The new statute proscribed the sale of the chemical without a special license."
Common synonyms for proscribe include prohibit, forbid, ban, outlaw.
Antonyms of proscribe include permit, allow, sanction.
On the GRE, proscribe clusters with prohibit, forbid, ban, and outlaw, opposing permit, allow, and sanction. Watch the look-alike prescribe.
Yes. Proscribe is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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