allow meaning and definition

ALLOW verb

Definition of allow (verb)

1. make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
   • "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"
   • synonyms: let, permit
   • antonym: keep
2. consent to, give permission
   • "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"
   • synonyms: countenance, let, permit
   • antonym: disallow
3. let have
   • "grant permission"; "Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison"
   • synonyms: grant
   • antonym: deny
4. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
   • "I will earmark this money for your research"; "She sets aside time for meditation every day"
   • synonyms: appropriate, earmark, reserve, set aside
5. make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain
   • "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"
   • synonyms: allow for, leave, provide
6. allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something
   • "I allow for this possibility"; "The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash"
   • synonyms: take into account
7. afford possibility
   • "This problem admits of no solution"; "This short story allows of several different interpretations"
   • synonyms: admit
8. allow the other (baseball) team to score
   • "give up a run"
   • synonyms: give up
9. grant as a discount or in exchange
   • "The camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera"
10. allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting
    • "We don't allow dogs here"; "Children are not permitted beyond this point"; "We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital"
    • synonyms: permit, tolerate