PRESCRIBE

(GIVE RULE) [verb] - to tell someone (what they must have or do); to give (something) as a rulePenalties for not paying your taxes are prescribed by law. [T]The law prescribes that all children must go to school. [+ that clause]Grammatical rules prescribe how words may be used together. [+ wh- word](formal) The First Amendment does not prescribe a duty on the government to ensure easy access to information for members of the press. [T]