'proscribe' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'proscribere,' where 'pro-' meant 'in front of' and 'scribere' meant 'to write.'

'proscribere' transformed into the Old French word 'proscrivre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'proscribe' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to publish in writing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to forbid or prohibit.'