Entry Word: allow

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give permission for or to approve of <flash photography is not allowed inside the church>

Synonyms have, permit, suffer

Related Words authorize, commission, license (also licence); accede (to), acquiesce, agree (to), assent (to), consent (to), OK (or okay), warrant; accord, concede, grant, sanction, vouchsafe; admit, brook, condone, countenance, endure, support, tolerate

Near Antonyms hinder, impede, obstruct; censure, disallow, disapprove, deny, interdict, refuse, reject, revoke, suppress, withhold; deplore, discountenance, dislike, disfavor, frown (at or on); check, curb, repress, restrain

Antonyms ban, enjoin, forbid, prohibit, proscribe, veto

2 to give permission to <Cindyʼs parents sometimes allow her to take the bus by herself downtown>

Synonyms let, permit, suffer

Related Words authorize, commission, empower, license (also licence); approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; free, liberate, release; cater (to), give in (to), humor, indulge

Near Antonyms deter, discourage; bar, block, constrain, curb, frustrate, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent

Antonyms enjoin, forbid, prohibit

3 to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly <Iʼll allow I probably said more than I should have> — see admit
4 to give as a share or portion <allowed each camper one match to light his fire> — see allot
5 to make able or possible <a patientʼs cancelled appointment allowed the doctor to squeeze in a few extra phone calls> — see enable 1