/ əˈlaʊ; NAmE / verb
LET SB / STH DO STH
1.
to let sb/sth do sth; to let sth happen or be done :
[ vn to inf ]
His parents won't allow him to stay out late.
He is not allowed to stay out late.
They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.
She won't allow herself to be dictated to.
He allowed his mind to wander.
[ vn ]
Smoking is not allowed in the hall.
[ v -ing ]
We do not allow smoking in the hall.
2.
[ vnn ] to let sb have sth :
You're allowed an hour to complete the test.
I'm not allowed visitors.
3.
[ vn , usually + adv. / prep. ] [ usually passive ] to let sb/sth go into, through, out of, etc. a place :
No dogs allowed (= you cannot bring them in) .
The prisoners are allowed out of their cells for two hours a day.
The crowd parted to allow her through .
You won't be allowed up (= out of bed) for several days.
MAKE POSSIBLE
4.
to make sth possible :
[ vn ]
A ramp allows easy access for wheelchairs.
[also v -ing ]
TIME / MONEY / FOOD, etc.
5.
[ vn ] allow sth (for sb/sth) to make sure that you have enough of sth for a particular purpose :
You need to allow three metres of fabric for the dress.
ACCEPT / ADMIT
6.
( formal ) to accept or admit sth; to agree that sth is true or correct :
[ vn ]
The judge allowed my claim.
'Objection!' 'I'll allow it.'
[ v that ]
He refuses to allow that such a situation could arise.
[ vnn ]
She was very helpful when my mother was ill—I'll allow you that.
[also v speech ]
—compare disallow ➡ note at admit
•
IDIOMS
- allow me
—more at rein noun
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- allow for sb/sth
- allow of sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (originally in the senses commend, sanction and assign as a right ): from Old French alouer , from Latin allaudare to praise, reinforced by medieval Latin allocare to place, from ad- to + locare , from locus place.