permitverb
uk/pəˈmɪt/us/pɚˈmɪt/-tt-B1 [ T ] to allow something:
The regulations do not permit much flexibility.
[ + -ing verb ] The prison authorities permit visiting only once a month.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] The security system will not permit you to enter without the correct password.
As it was such a special occasion, she permitted herself a small glass of champagne.
formal The law permits of no other interpretation.
C1 [ I ] to make something possible:
The Chancellor is looking to lower interest rates, when economic conditions permit.
We have arranged to play tennis on Saturday, weather permitting (= if the weather is good enough).
More examples
- Entry to the club is only permitted on production of a membership card.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere in this theatre.
- Some prisoners who want to start a family are to be permitted conjugal visits.
- Machine-readable passports will permit precise identity-checking.
- How can a loving, omnipotent God permit disease, war and suffering?
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Allowing and permitting
- admit of sth
- allow
- allow of sth
- allowable
- authorization
- authorize
- concession
- green
- leave
- let
- let sb/sth in
- let sb/sth out
- licence
- license
- mandate
- OK
- open the floodgates idiom
- sanction
- submit
- variance
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Encouraging and urging on
permitnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈpɜː.mɪt/us/ˈpɝː.mɪt/C1 an official document that allows you to do something or go somewhere:
a work/travel/parking permit
She has managed to obtain a temporary residence permit.
[ + to infinitive ] Do you need a permit to work here?
More examples
- I pay £5 a week for my parking permit.
- The office will be issuing permits on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
- Please turn your old parking permits in at the end of the week.
- You'll need a special permit if you want to use the facilities regularly.
- You will have to apply to City Hall for a building permit.