v.

1. make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen;
   let, permit
   
   • This permits the water to rush in
   • This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement
   • This will permit the rain to run off
2. consent to, give permission;
   permit, let, countenance
   
   • She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband
   • I won't let the police search her basement
   • I cannot allow you to see your exam
3. let have;
   grant
   
   • grant permission
   • Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison
4. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause;
   appropriate, earmark, set aside, reserve
   
   • I will earmark this money for your research
   • She sets aside time for meditation every day
5. make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain;
   leave, allow for, provide
   
   • This leaves no room for improvement
   • The evidence allows only one conclusion
   • allow for mistakes
   • leave lots of time for the trip
   • This procedure provides for lots of leeway
6. allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something;
   take into account
   
   • I allow for this possibility
   • The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash
7. afford possibility;
   admit
   
   • This problem admits of no solution
   • This short story allows of several different interpretations
8. allow the other (baseball) team to score;
   give up
   
   • give up a run
9. grant as a discount or in exchange
   
   • The camera store owner allowed me $50 on my old camera
10. allow the presence of or allow  (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting;
    permit, tolerate
    
    • We don't allow dogs here
    • Children are not permitted beyond this point
    • We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital