Definition of allow
transitive verb
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
intransitive verb
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
