Legal Definitions - proscribe

To proscribe means to officially outlaw, prohibit, or forbid something by law. Historically, in Roman and civil law, it also referred to publicly naming a person as condemned to death and having their property confiscated.

Proscribe

To proscribe something means to officially forbid it, making it illegal or unacceptable through a formal rule, law, or authoritative declaration. It implies a strong, authoritative prohibition.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: A national government might proscribe the sale of certain highly addictive substances without a prescription, making their unauthorized distribution a criminal offense.

  Explanation: In this case, the government is formally prohibiting the sale of these substances, establishing a legal ban to control their access and use.

• Example 2: A company's employee handbook could proscribe the use of company resources for personal gain, stating that such actions are grounds for disciplinary action, including termination.

  Explanation: The company is officially forbidding its employees from misusing company assets, setting a clear rule against this behavior within the workplace.

• Example 3: An international environmental treaty might proscribe the dumping of toxic waste into international waters, obligating signatory nations to prevent such pollution.

  Explanation: The treaty establishes a binding prohibition against a specific harmful practice, declaring it unacceptable and illegal under international environmental law.