Definition of allow
1 a
: permit
- doesn't allow people to smoke in his home
b
: to fail to restrain or prevent
- allow the dog to roam
2 a
: to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money)
- allow an hour for lunch
b
: to reckon as a deduction or an addition
- allow a gallon for leakage
c
: to express an opinion
—usually used with as how or that
1
: to make a possibility : admit
—used with of
- evidence that allows of only one conclusion
2
: to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies
—used with for
- a plan that allows for expansion
