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Definition of "allow" []

  • To let do or happen; permit: We allow smoking only in restricted areas. (verb-transitive)
  • To permit the presence of: No pets are allowed inside. (verb-transitive)
  • To permit to have: allow oneself a little treat. (verb-transitive)
  • To make provision for; assign: The schedule allows time for a coffee break. (verb-transitive)
  • To plan for in case of need: allow two inches in the fabric for shrinkage. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "allow" in a sentence
  • "Could this change in the definition allow patients, who would otherwise be denied treatment, to receive the help they sought?"
  • "And don't discount, Kyra, the -- what I call the allow (ph) method of security."
  • "Weidenbaum: How far ahead do you plan — do you know exactly what Projekt is releasing this year, or does the size of your label allow you to act more spontaneously?"