permit

verb

1. 1

   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.

   Last week the decision on two points was conclusive: the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. will not permit ordination of women as ministers, but will permit their election as ruling elders, permission which makes possible a woman as moderator.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   To allow for, to make something possible.

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

   For snackage there's a 1950s-themed diner plus a barbie on the terrace, weather permitting.

4. 4

   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."

   "As an instrument of economic policy, incantation does not permit of minor doubts or scruples."

5. 5

   To grant formal authorization for (something).

   The Building Department permitted that project last week.

   […] they have not expanded so far federal permitting authority to site and permit transmission lines that are important for interstate commerce.

6. 6

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

   We've been busy permitting the State Street development.

7. 7

   archaicTo hand over, resign (something to someone).

   Let us not aggravate our sorrows, / But to the gods permit the event of things.

noun

1. 1

   An artifact or document rendering something allowed or legal.

   A construction permit can be obtained from the town offices.

   Go over to the park office and get a permit for the #3 shelter.

2. 2

   An artifact or document rendering something allowed or legal. A learner's permit.

3. 3

   obsoleteFormal permission.

noun

1. 1

   A pompano of the species Trachinotus falcatus.

Forms

plural

permits

past tense

permitted

past participle

permitted

present participle

permitting

third person singular

permits