let

¹let

transitive verb \ˈlet\

let·tedletted or letlet·ting

Definition of LET

archaic

: hinder, prevent

Origin of LET

Middle English letten, from Old English lettan to delay, hinder; akin to Old High German lezzen to delay, hurt, Old English lǣt late

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with LET

bet, debt, fret, get, het, jet, Lett, met, net, pet, ret, set, stet, sweat, Tet, threat, vet, wet, whet, yet

²let

noun

Definition of LET

1

: something that impedes : obstruction <ruled his little world without hindrance or let — B. F. Reilly>

2

: a shot or point in racket games that does not count and must be replayed

Examples of LET

1. The first serve was a let.
2. <a private resort that allows vacationers to experience without let the joys of nudism>

First Known Use of LET

12th century

Related to LET

Synonyms

balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, encumbrance, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel

Related Words

catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship

Near Antonyms

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

³let

verb

letlet·ting

Definition of LET

transitive verb

1

: to cause to : make <let me know>

2

a chiefly British : to offer or grant for rent or lease <let rooms>

b : to assign especially after bids <let a contract>

3

a : to give opportunity to or fail to prevent <live and let live> <a break in the clouds let us see the summit> <let the opportunity slip>

b —used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal <let us pray>

c —used as an auxiliary to express a warning <let him try>

4

: to free from or as if from confinement <let out a scream> <let blood>

5

: to permit to enter, pass, or leave <let them through> <let them off with a warning>

6

: to make an adjustment to <let out the waist>

intransitive verb

1

chiefly British : to become rented or leased

2

: to become awarded to a contractor

— let alone

: to leave undisturbed <let the flowers alone>; also : to leave to oneself <wanted to be let alone>

— let fly

1

: to hurl an object

2

: to give unrestrained expression to an emotion or utterance <let fly with some sharp rebukes — Janice Castro>

— let go

1

: to dismiss from employment <the firm let him go at the end of the month>

2

: to abandon self-restraint : let fly <spoke in clipped sentences, as if fearful of letting go — David Kline> <there just to party, just to let go — Philippe Vergne>

3

: to relax or release one's hold —used with of <let go of stress — Kathy McCoy> <let go of my arm>

4

: to fail to take care of : neglect <let himself go and got real fat — Bill Parcells>

— let it all hang out

: to reveal one's true feelings : act without dissimulation

— let one have it

: to subject to vigorous assault

— let one's hair down

: to act without pretense or self-restraint

— let rip

1

: to utter or release without restraint <let 'er rip>

2

: to do or utter something without restraint <let rip at the press>

— let the cat out of the bag

: to give away a secret

Origin of LET

Middle English leten, from Old English lǣtan; akin to Old High German lāzzan to permit, and perhaps to Lithuanian lėnas tranquil

First Known Use: before 12th century