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Proscription Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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proscription

[prəˈskrɪpʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law

An official order that prohibits something; a ban or prohibition.

Synonyms

ban, prohibition, restriction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
proscription

Often used in historical or legal contexts to describe an official and formal exclusion or prohibition, typically with serious consequences.

  • The political proscription led to many activists being exiled.
  • During the regime, the proscription of dissent was strictly enforced.
ban

Used in everyday language to indicate a restriction that is officially put in place to prevent people from doing something.

  • The city imposed a ban on smoking in public places.
  • After the incident, there was a ban on all outdoor activities.
prohibition

Used in formal and legal contexts to describe a law or rule that forbids something, often relating to regulations and legislations.

  • The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s led to the rise of speakeasies.
  • There is a strict prohibition against the use of mobile phones during exams.
restriction

Used in general situations to describe a limitation or control on certain actions, which could be official or informal.

  • There are restrictions on the number of guests allowed at the event.
  • Travel restrictions have been put in place due to the pandemic.

Examples of usage

  • The government issued a proscription on the use of certain substances.
  • There is a proscription against parking in this area.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

An edict or principle that forbids something; a denunciation or condemnation.

Synonyms

denunciation, edict, principle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
proscription

Used in situations where a formal ban or prohibition is implemented, often in legal or authoritative contexts.

  • The proscription of certain drugs was necessary to protect public health
edict

Used when referring to an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority, usually in historical, governmental, or organizational contexts.

  • The king issued an edict that all citizens must register their land holdings
principle

Applicable when discussing a fundamental truth, law, or belief that guides behavior or reasoning, often used in ethical, philosophical, or scientific discussions.

  • The principle of equality is central to the organization's mission
denunciation

Appropriate in scenarios where there is a public condemnation of someone or something, often implying moral or ethical judgment.

  • The leader's denunciation of corruption among officials was widely reported in the media

Examples of usage

  • The proscription of certain religious practices led to civil unrest.
  • The proscription of freedom of speech was met with widespread criticism.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The Roman Republic used proscription as a political tool, marked by the exile or execution of enemies of the state during the late Republic.
  • In many historical contexts, proscription lists were public, allowing the community to shun banned individuals, impacting social status.
  • Modern uses include instances of governments imitating ancient practices by creating lists of banned organizations or individuals.

Politics

  • Proscription remains relevant today, often employed in political discourse about legislation that restricts certain behaviors or freedoms.
  • Political regimes may use proscription as a method to control dissent or opposition by officially banning groups or activities.
  • Controversies often arise over the validity and morality of proscribing certain ideologies or movements in democratic societies.

Literature

  • In literature, themes of proscription appear in novels that tackle issues of freedom, social justice, or authoritarian regimes.
  • Classic works often depict characters who face social or political proscription, exploring the effects on their lives and communities.
  • Authors sometimes critique or draw parallels to historical proscription in their narratives, highlighting patterns of oppression.

Modern Usage

  • The term is often discussed in contexts of law, such as proscription orders that prevent activities associated with terrorism.
  • In digital media, proscription can refer to content moderation practices in platforms that ban certain types of speech or behavior.
  • The word 'proscriptive' has evolved to denote rules or guidelines that restrict or dictate behavior across different fields.

Origin of 'proscription'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'proscriptio', which means 'to write in front' or publicly announce something.
  • In ancient Rome, proscription often referred to the official banning of individuals, sometimes leading to severe penalties like exile or death.
  • The concept was also used in a legal context where public notifications were made against certain people or acts.

The word 'proscription' originates from the Latin word 'proscriptio', which referred to the public identification and condemnation of an enemy of the state in ancient Rome. Over time, the term evolved to encompass broader meanings related to bans, prohibitions, and denunciations in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,805, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.