allow

al-low · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Give permission for something to happen or for someone to do something.

  2. 2.

    Give the necessary time or opportunity for.

  3. 3.

    Provide or set aside for a particular purpose.

  4. 4.

    Admit the truth or validity of.

  5. 5.

    Make possible; enable.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    allow for — Take into consideration; make provision for.
  • •
    allow of — Permit; make possible (formal).
  • •
    not allow — Refuse to accept or tolerate.

Related words

Antonyms: ban, forbid, prevent, prohibit
See also: allowance, let, permission, permit
Synonyms: authorize, enable, let, permit

Etymology

From Old French alouer ("to place, allocate, approve"), from Latin allaudare ("to praise"), from ad- ("to") + laudare ("to praise"), influenced by Latin allocare ("to place").