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Proscription: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "proscription" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proscrição

🇮🇳 प्रतिबंध

🇩🇪 Verbot

🇮🇩 pelarangan

🇺🇦 заборона

🇵🇱 zakaz

🇯🇵 禁止 (きんし)

🇫🇷 proscription

🇪🇸 proscrición

🇹🇷 yasaklama

🇰🇷 금지

🇸🇦 حظر

🇨🇿 zákaz

🇸🇰 zákaz

🇨🇳 禁止 (jìnzhǐ)

🇸🇮 prepoved

🇮🇸 bann

🇰🇿 тыйым салу

🇬🇪 აკრძალვა

🇦🇿 qadağa

🇲🇽 proscrición

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.