- proscribe
- late 14c., "decree of condemnation, outlawry," from L. proscribere "publish in writing" (lit. "write in front of"), including senses of "publish as having forfeited one's property, condemn, outlaw before the world," from pro- "before" + scribere "to write" (see script). Meaning "prohibit as wrong or dangerous" first recorded 1620s.