proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed

2

: an imposed restraint or restriction : prohibition

proscriptive

prō-ˈskrip-tiv 

adjective

proscriptively adverb

Synonyms

• banning
• barring
• enjoining
• forbidding
• interdicting
• interdiction
• outlawing
• prohibiting
• prohibition
• proscribing

Examples of proscription in a Sentence

the proscription against bicycles and skateboards is intended to make the plaza a more pedestrian-friendly place

a strongly worded proscription against smoking indoors

Recent Examples on the Web

Under Elizabethan feudalism this notion was unthinkable if only because none but the royal had the alternatives of seemingly absolute choice, the liberties of the masses being hedged about by all sorts of rigid proscriptions. —Andrew Aoyama, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024

Washington also secured buy-in for a proscription against the use of force to alter international boundaries, helping lock in place a status quo that has benefited the United States. —Ryan Hass, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023

Those proscriptions effectively bar any independent, critical reporting on Russia’s military and its serial missteps in the war on Ukraine. —Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2023

The guidance also has a list of proscriptions: Do treat others with respect, even in the face of abuse. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proscripcion, from Latin proscription-, proscriptio, from proscribere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed

2

: prohibition sense 2

Legal Definition

proscription

noun

pro·​scrip·​tion prō-ˈskrip-shən 

1

: the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed

2

: an imposed restraint or restriction

proscriptive

-ˈskrip-tiv 

adjective

proscriptively adverb