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Proscribing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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proscribing

[prəˈskaɪbɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Proscribing refers to the act of forbidding or officially prohibiting something. This is often used in relation to laws or regulations that prevent certain behaviors or activities. Proscribing can occur on various levels, such as local, national, or international. It typically implies a legal or authoritative declaration against the specified action or entity.

Synonyms

banning, forbidding, outlawing, prohibiting.

Examples of usage

  • The government is proscribing the sale of certain harmful substances.
  • Many countries are proscribing organizations that promote violence.
  • The school is proscribing any form of bullying on its premises.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, proscribing often refers to laws that ban certain actions or behaviors.
  • Many historical legal codes, such as the Roman Twelve Tables, included proscribing actions that were deemed harmful to society.
  • Modern laws frequently include proscribing elements to regulate public safety and order.

Cultural Impact

  • Proscription has been a tool for many governments to control ideas and behaviors throughout history.
  • In various cultures, certain practices or beliefs have been proscribed to maintain social norms or moral order.
  • Notable historical examples include the Roman proscription lists, which marked individuals for exile or execution.

Psychology

  • Proscribing certain behaviors can influence group dynamics and social conformity.
  • Studies show that when actions are proscribed, individuals often find alternative ways to express those desires covertly.
  • The act of proscribing can create a sense of rebellion among those who feel oppressed by the rules.

Origin of 'proscribing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'proscribere,' meaning 'to write publicly against' or 'to outlaw.'
  • It is made up of two parts: 'pro' meaning 'before' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write.'
  • The term has been used since the late 14th century to signify the act of officially banning.

The word 'proscribing' comes from the Latin term 'proscribere', which means 'to publish publicly', derived from 'pro-' (in front) and 'scribere' (to write). The term evolved through Old French before entering Middle English. Initially, 'proscribing' was used in legal contexts to denote the formal prohibition of certain activities or organizations, often linked to treason or acts deemed harmful to society. Over time, it has broadened to encompass various contexts where rules or bans are applied, indicating any authoritative prohibition. This evolution reflects changes in societal norms and the need for regulation in different areas.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,301 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.