allow

verb

1. 1

   allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something

   I allow for this possibility

   The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash

2. 2

   give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

   I will earmark this money for your research

   She sets aside time for meditation every day

3. 3

   consent to, give permission

   She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband

   I won't let the police search her basement

4. 4

   allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting

   We don't allow dogs here

   Children are not permitted beyond this point

5. 5

   let have

   grant permission

   Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison

6. 6

   grant as a discount or in exchange

   The camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera

7. 7

   make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

   This permits the water to rush in

   This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement

8. 8

   allow the other (baseball) team to score

   give up a run

9. 9

   make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain

   This leaves no room for improvement

   The evidence allows only one conclusion

10. 10

    afford possibility

    This problem admits of no solution

    This short story allows of several different interpretations