allow

The definition of allow means to permit or to give permission.

(verb)

An example of allow is a mother letting her teenager have a later curfew.

See allow in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to let do, happen, etc.; permit; let: we weren't allowed to go
to let have: she allowed herself no sweets
to let enter or stay: dogs are not allowed
to admit (a claim or the like); acknowledge as true or valid
to provide or allot (a certain amount, period of time, etc.) for a purpose: allow an inch for shrinkage
Dialectal
1. to think; give as one's opinion
2. to intend

Origin: ME alowen < OFr alouer < ML allocare, allocate; assoc. with OFr alouer < L allaudare, to extol < ad-, to + laudare, to praise

See allow in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb al·lowed, al·low·ing, al·lows

verb, transitive

To let do or happen; permit: We allow smoking only in restricted areas.
To permit the presence of: No pets are allowed inside.
To permit to have: allow oneself a little treat.
To make provision for; assign: The schedule allows time for a coffee break.
To plan for in case of need: allow two inches in the fabric for shrinkage.
To grant as a discount or in exchange: allowed me 20 dollars on my old typewriter.
Chiefly Southern & Midland U.S.
a. To admit; concede: I allowed he was right.
b. To think; suppose: “We allow he's straight” (American Speech).
c. To assert; declare: Mother allowed that we'd better come in for dinner.

verb, intransitive

To offer a possibility; admit: The poem allows of several interpretations.
To take a possibility into account; make allowance: In calculating profit, retailers must allow for breakage and spoilage.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English allouen, to approve, permit

Origin: , from Old French alouer

Origin: , from Latin allaudāre, to praise (ad-, intensive pref.; see ad- + laudāre, to praise; see Laud )

Origin: and from Medieval Latin allocāre, to assign; see allocate

Related Forms: