'prescribe' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praescribere,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'scribere' meant 'to write.'

'praescribere' transformed into the Old French word 'prescrire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prescribe' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to write before or in advance,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to authorize the use of medicine' and 'to dictate rules.'