verb , noun
■ verb / pəˈmɪt; NAmE pərˈm-/ ( -tt- ) ( formal )
1.
to allow sb to do sth or to allow sth to happen :
[ vn ]
Radios are not permitted in the library.
There are fines for exceeding permitted levels of noise pollution.
[ vnn ]
We were not permitted any contact with each other.
Jim permitted himself a wry smile.
[ vn to inf ]
Visitors are not permitted to take photographs.
She would not permit herself to look at them.
( formal )
Permit me to offer you some advice.
[also v -ing ]
2.
to make sth possible :
[ v ]
We hope to visit the cathedral, if time permits.
I'll come tomorrow, weather permitting (= if the weather is fine) .
[ vn ]
The password permits access to all files on the hard disk.
[ vn to inf ]
Cash machines permit you to withdraw money at any time.
[also v -ing ]
■ noun
/ ˈpɜːmɪt; NAmE ˈpɜːrmɪt/ an official document that gives sb the right to do sth, especially for a limited period of time :
a fishing / residence / parking, etc. permit
to apply for a permit
to issue a permit
—see also work permit
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (originally in the sense commit, hand over ): from Latin permittere , from per- through + mittere send, let go.