Definition of “allow” - English Dictionary

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“allow” in English

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allowverb

uk /əˈlaʊ/ us /əˈlaʊ/

allow verb (GIVE PERMISSION)

B1 [ T ] to give permission for someone to do something, or to not prevent something from happening:

[ + to infinitive ] Do you think Dad will allow you to go to Jamie's party?

You're not allowed to talk during the exam.

Her proposals would allow (= make it possible for) more people to stay in full-time education.

The loophole has allowed hundreds of drink-drivers to avoid prosecution.

The government has refused to allow foreign journalists into the area for several weeks.

Prisoners have been moved to allow the demolition of part of the prison.

Pets aren't allowed in this hotel.

[ + -ing verb ] Smoking is not allowed in this restaurant.

[ + two objects ] He didn't allow us enough time to finish the test.

Red Cross officials were allowed access to the prison for the first time a few days ago.

UK The referee decided to allow (= officially accept) the goal.

At the weekend I allow myself (= I give myself the special pleasure of having) a box of chocolates.

How much time do you allow yourself (= make available to yourself) to get ready in the morning?

allow me old-fashioned

› a polite expression used when offering to help in some way:

You can't carry all those bags yourself - please, allow me.

More examples

There is no smoking allowed anywhere on school premises.
You're not allowed to swim when the red flag is flying.
After a long boring afternoon I was finally allowed to leave.
"I will not allow that kind of behaviour in my class, " the teacher said severely.
He took a step backwards to allow her to pass.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Allowing and permitting

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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Polite expressions

allow verb (ADMIT)

› [ + that ] formal to admit or agree that something is true:

She allowed that she might have been too suspicious.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Accepting & agreeing

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Grammar

Allow, permit or let?Allow, permit and let are verbs that all have a similar meaning: ‘give permission or make it possible for somebody to do or have something’. …

Permit/allow someone + to do somethingWe use a direct object + to-infinitive after permit and allow: …

Let someone + do somethingWe use an infinitive without to after let: …

Passive with permit and allowWe often use the passive with permit and allow. Permit is often used for official public notices: …

Phrasal verb(s)

allow for sth

allow of sth

(Definition of “allow” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“allow” in American English

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(Definition of “allow” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“allow” in Business English

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allowverb [ T ]

uk /əˈlaʊ/ us

› to make it possible for someone to do something, or to not prevent something from happening:

allow sb/sth to do sth The website allows consumers to compare the prices of all energy and telephone providers.

The extra compensation was allowed, overriding regulations that otherwise would not allow the payouts.

Typing in this code will allow access to the data stored on the hard drive.

› to give enough time for something to happen:

Allow at least 14 days to receive your policy and cover confirmation.

allow sth for sth You will need to allow up to six weeks for delivery.

› ACCOUNTING to take a cost or an amount off your income or profit before the tax owed is calculated:

The Australian Taxation Office allows tax deductions for voluntary donations to charity.

› COMMERCE to take a certain amount of money from the price of something :

allow sb sth for sth A dealer will be able to tell you how much you would be allowed in part-exchange for your existing vehicle.

› to accept or agree that something is true or correct:

An individual has three years to file a personal injury claim, although the court has the power to allow claims later.

allow that When I pressed her, she allowed that a mistake might have been made.

Phrasal verb(s)

allow for sb/sth

(Definition of “allow” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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allow

The guarantees allow countries in difficulties to acquire credit on the international markets more cheaply than they would at normal market rates.