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These days, someone alleges something before presenting evidence to prove it (or perhaps without evidence at all). But the word allege comes directly from the Middle English verb alleggen, meaning "to submit (something) in evidence or as justification." (Alleggen traces back to the Anglo-French word aleger, meaning "to lighten, free, or exculpate.") Our word has at times in the past carried a meaning closer to that of its ancestor's: it was once applied when bringing someone or something forward as a source or authority in court, as in "a text alleged in support of the argument." The word has also been used to mean "to bring forward as a reason or excuse," as in these lines from Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel Jane Eyre: "I did not like to walk at this hour alone with Mr. Rochester in the shadowy orchard; but I could not find a reason to allege for leaving him."
Synonyms
Examples of allege in a Sentence
Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024
Gazan authorities affirm that graves were previously dug before the Israeli military arrived, but allege that troops added bodies to the grave site.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024
The lawsuit alleges that the two budget bills violated the Idaho Constitution and case law that has existed for over 100 years stating that appropriations — or budget — bills are not allowed to modify general law.
—Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 26 Apr. 2024
Court documents stated that Kaser alleged his stepfather had emotionally and physically abused him and his mother for decades.
—Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 26 Apr. 2024
Jeannie Mai Laughs with Daughter Monaco in Adorable Photos amid Custody Battle with Ex Jeezy
In a new court filing obtained by PEOPLE, this week, Mai alleges several incidents of domestic abuse and child neglect during her relationship with the rapper (born Jay Wayne Jenkins).
—Janine Rubenstein, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Arizona alleged ‘fake electors’ who backed Trump in 2020 indicted by grand jury …Read more
Subscribe now to get Fox News Politics newsletter in your inbox.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 25 Apr. 2024
Ryan, who owns tens of thousands of TikTok shares, has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board that alleges the company’s non-disparagement clause in its shareholder agreement violates employees’ right to unionize, constituting an unfair labor practice.
—Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or caused false business records to hide the true nature of payments made to Michael Cohen, by characterizing them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allege.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near allege
Cite this Entry
“Allege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allege. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
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allege
verb
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