Proscribo

Proscribo is a Latin verb meaning to proscribe, outlaw, or condemn publicly, often by publishing a list of enemies of the state and imposing penalties such as confiscation of property or death. In classical Latin its principal parts are proscribo, proscribere, proscripsi, proscriptum, with the present indicative proscribo meaning “I proscribe” and the infinitive proscribere.

Etymology and usage

The verb derives from the prefix pro- plus scribere, literally “to write forth” or “to publish.” In this sense, proscribere describes the act of setting forth a formal list of persons to be outlawed. The term is transitive and commonly governs a direct object referring to the person or group being proscribed, as well as the broader act of proscription (proscriptio) in noun form.

Historical significance

The word is closely associated with Roman political practice. Proscription referred to state-sponsored lists of enemies of the republic or of a ruling faction, whose names were published and whose property was confiscated or whose lives could be forfeited. Notable instances include Sulla’s proscriptions in 82 BCE and, later, the proscriptions carried out by the Second Triumvirate in 43 BCE. The concept carried a dual legal and political meaning: it formalized punishment and often enabled the redistribution of wealth and power.

English derivatives

From proscribo come the English verbs proscribe and the noun proscription, along with the adjective proscribed. In modern use, proscribe can mean to forbid or condemn, while proscription denotes the act or the list of persons declared to be outlawed.

See also Proscription; Proscriber.