Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


Discuss
Email this
Feedback
RSS/XML
Permalink

A.Word.A.Day--proscribe

Pronunciation Sound Clip RealAudio

Are you the practical type who looks for words that are immediately usable? Words such as resistentialism and petrichor don't excite you. You'd rather have no-nonsense words that come in suit and tie, words that you can put to work right away. You want words that can go into your college report, office memo, or position paper.

This week we feature a medley of words that could be considered more employable by those readers. For others, even if you know these words, their etymologies may be something you'd enjoy.

proscribe (pro-SKRYB) verb tr.

1. To forbid something, especially by law.

2. To denounce, condemn, or exile someone.

[From Latin proscribere (to publish in writing, to name someone as outlawed), from pro- (front) + scribere (write).]

See more usage examples of proscribe in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

-Anu Garg (garg wordsmith.org)

"Tremendous pressure is being brought on the government by some political parties and organizations to proscribe the LTTE for its atrocities." Heingo; Ramifications of Banning Political Parties and Organisations; Sri Lanka Daily Mirror (Colombo); Dec 16, 2006.

X-Bonus

My greatest skill has been to want but little. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith