ˈdɪkˌteɪt ˈɔːdə ˈɔɹdɚ pɹɪˈskɹaɪb issue commands or orders for (medicine) order the use of (a treatment, medicine, etc.), usually by written prescription the doctor prescribed steroids for my ear trouble recommend as beneficial my mother prescribes a good night's sleep as the cure for all ills