permit

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   consent to, give permission

   They permitted their children to visit their parents.

2. 2
   verb

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

   This permits the water to rush in

3. 3
   verb

   To allow (something) to happen, to give permission for.

   Mr. Cooke at once began a tirade against the residents of Asquith for permitting a sandy and generally disgraceful condition of the roads. So roundly did he vituperate the inn management in particular, and with such a loud flow of words, that I trembled lest he should be heard on the veranda.

4. 4
   verb

   To allow (someone) to do something; to give permission to.

   He was ultimately cleared, but during that period, Mr. Ackman said, his lawyers would not permit him to defend himself publicly.

5. 5
   verb

   To allow for, to make something possible.

   What was left to say? Quite a lot, if only parliamentary time permitted.

6. 6
   verb

   To allow, to admit (of).

   "You English are always so frivolous," said the Princess. "In Russia we have too many troubles to permit of our being light-hearted."

7. 7
   verb

   To grant formal authorization for (something).

   The Building Department permitted that project last week.

8. 8
   verb

   To attempt to obtain or succeed in obtaining formal authorization for (something).

   We've been busy permitting the State Street development.

Etymology

From Middle English permitten, borrowed from Middle French permettre, from Latin permittō (“give up, allow”), from per (“through”) + mittō (“send”).