ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌkāt, often -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin allocatus, past participle of allocare to place, grant, from Latin ad- + locare to place from locus place — more at stall
1. : to apportion for a specific purpose or to particular persons or things
if blame were to be allocated it must be apportioned elsewhere — F.W.Crofts
as
a. : to give (a share of money, land, or responsibility) to a person
b. : to distribute or to divide and distribute according to relative contribution to an objective whether on an equal, proportional, or judiciously calculated basis
allocate a fortune to charitable foundations
c. : to apportion and distribute (as costs or revenues) among accounts according to some predetermined ratio or agreed measure of involvement (as degree of responsibility or benefit received)
d. : to deal out (something limited in supply) according to an allowance schedule established especially by a public authority or major producer : ration
under a mobilization program metals may be allocated among manufacturers
2. : to set apart and earmark or designate : assign
allocate materials or facilities for a project
government of the conscience is allocated to the clergy — New Republic
Synonyms: see allot