prescription

medical order / authoritative rule / mandate

Noun

pl: prescriptions

In a medical context, this term refers to the legal authorization for medication, carrying a connotation of professional authority and strict regulation. It implies a specific, tailored remedy designed for a particular patient's needs. When used in a social or political sense, it describes a rigid formula or a set of mandatory guidelines. This usage often suggests a top-down approach where a solution is imposed by an expert or authority figure, sometimes implying a lack of flexibility or a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Meanings

Noun

An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided with a medicine or treatment.

"The doctor wrote a prescription for a strong antibiotic to treat the infection."

Noun

An authoritative rule or a set of directions that specifies how something should be done or how someone should behave.

"The government's prescription for economic recovery involves lowering interest rates and increasing public spending."

Noun

"The strict prescription of dietary guidelines is necessary for patients with chronic kidney disease."

Last Updated: June 12, 2026•Report an Error