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B2⚖️ Law & Politics

Italian word

prescrizione

the statute of limitations; also a medical prescription

Looks like

prescription

a doctor's written order for medication; a rule or instruction

⚠️ The trap

In Italian, 'prescrizione' has two completely distinct meanings: (1) the statute of limitations in criminal/civil law — a very common and politically contentious legal concept in Italy; (2) a medical prescription. Context is essential. English 'prescription' almost always means the medical document.

To say "a doctor's written order for medication; a rule or instruction" in Italian:

prescrizione

"prescrizione" in English means:

the statute of limitations; also a medical prescription

Example

"Il reato è andato in prescrizione."

"The crime became time-barred (the statute of limitations expired)."

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