Meaning & Definition of Allow in English

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"

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"

3. Let have

• "Grant permission"

• "Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison"

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"

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"

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"

7. Afford possibility

• "This problem admits of no solution"

• "This short story allows of several different interpretations"

8. Allow the other (baseball) team to score

• "Give up a run"

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"