Entry Word: allocate

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give as a share or portion <not enough computers to allocate one to every student> — see allot
2 to give out (something) in appropriate amounts or to appropriate individuals <allocated the housework in such a way that the older kids got more than the younger ones> — see administer 1
3 to keep or intend for a special purpose <crushed the strawberries after first allocating all the nicest ones for the top of the cake> — see devote 1