Definitions for allow

Definitions for (verb) allow

Main entry: allow, take into account

Definition: allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something

Usage: I allow for this possibility; The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash


Main entry: reserve, earmark, set aside, allow, appropriate

Definition: give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

Usage: I will earmark this money for your research; She sets aside time for meditation every day


Main entry: let, countenance, permit, allow

Definition: consent to, give permission

Usage: She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband; I won't let the police search her basement; I cannot allow you to see your exam


Main entry: allow, tolerate, permit

Definition: allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting

Usage: We don't allow dogs here; Children are not permitted beyond this point; We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital


Main entry: allow, grant

Definition: let have

Usage: grant permission; Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison


Main entry: allow

Definition: grant as a discount or in exchange

Usage: The camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera


Main entry: let, allow, permit

Definition: make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

Usage: This permits the water to rush in; This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement; This will permit the rain to run off


Main entry: allow, give up

Definition: allow the other (baseball) team to score

Usage: give up a run


Main entry: allow, allow for, provide, leave

Definition: make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain

Usage: This leaves no room for improvement; The evidence allows only one conclusion; allow for mistakes; leave lots of time for the trip; This procedure provides for lots of leeway


Main entry: admit, allow

Definition: afford possibility

Usage: This problem admits of no solution; This short story allows of several different interpretations


Visual thesaurus for allow