allow definition

1. let have
• examples: grant permission
• examples: Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison
2. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
• examples: I will earmark this money for your research
• examples: She sets aside time for meditation every day
3. allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something
• examples: I allow for this possibility
• examples: The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash
4. grant as a discount or in exchange
• examples: The camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera
5. allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting
• examples: We don't allow dogs here
• examples: Children are not permitted beyond this point
• examples: We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital