I. ˈlet transitive verb
( let·ted ; letted or let ; let·ting )
Etymology: Middle English letten, from Old English lettan to delay, hinder; akin to Old High German lezzen to delay, hurt, Old English lǣt late
Date: before 12th century
archaic : hinder , prevent
II. noun
Date: 12th century
1. : something that impedes : obstruction
ruled his little world without hindrance or let — B. F. Reilly
2. : a shot or point in racket games that does not count and must be replayed
III. verb
( let ; let·ting )
Etymology: Middle English leten, from Old English lǣtan; akin to Old High German lāzzan to permit, and perhaps to Lithuanian lėnas tranquil
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to cause to : make
let me know
2.
a. chiefly British : to offer or grant for rent or lease
let rooms
b. : to assign especially after bids
let a contract
3.
a. : to give opportunity to or fail to prevent
live and let live
a break in the clouds let us see the summit
let the opportunity slip
b. — used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal
let us pray
c. — used as an auxiliary to express a warning
let him try
4. : to free from or as if from confinement
let out a scream
let blood
5. : to permit to enter, pass, or leave
let them through
let them off with a warning
6. : to make an adjustment to
let out the waist
intransitive verb
1. chiefly British : to become rented or leased
2. : to become awarded to a contractor
Synonyms: see hire
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- let alone
- let fly
- let go
- let it all hang out
- let one have it
- let one's hair down
- let rip
- let the cat out of the bag