allow
1 allowing sb to do sth
2 not allowing sb to do sth
3 asking for permission
making sth possible POSSIBLE
see also REQUEST
1 allowing sb to do sth
- to tell sb that they can do sth: let* sb (do sth) (cannot be used in the passive), allow (sb to do) sth, give* sb permission (to do sth), (formal) permit (sb to do) sth; noun (U): permission
I want to go to France, but my parents won't let me. ◎ Did they allow you to visit? ◎ I'm sure she'll give you permission if you ask. ◎ You'll need your parents' permission.
- to allow sth to happen: agree (to sth), consent (to sth); nouns (U): agreement, consent
Her parents won't agree to the marriage. ◎ to give your consent to sth
- to accept sth and allow it to happen: approve sth; noun (U): approval
The plans still have to be approved. ◎ It will be essential to get the approval of the management.
- if sb has given permission for sth, it is allowed, (formal) permitted
The school is very strict about dress: jeans and T-shirts are not allowed. ◎ Is photography permitted inside the church?
- if you have been given permission to do sth, you are allowed to do sth, free to do sth
Are we allowed to smoke? ◎ You're free to come and go whenever you like.
- if sth is allowed by the law, it is legal
- to allow sb to go into a place: let* sb in, let* sb into a place, (formal) admit sb (to a place); nouns (U): (formal) admission, admittance
Can't you persuade him to let us in? ◎ People under 18 are not admitted. ◎ a ※£3 admission fee ◎ No admittance!
- to allow sb to go through/past a place: let* sb through/past (a place)
Let them through - it's an emergency!
- to allow sb to leave a place: let* sb out
Let me out of here!
※ official permission
- an official paper which shows that you are allowed to do sth: permit, licence (AmE license)
a work permit ◎ a driving licence
- a piece of paper showing that you have the right to do sth: authorization (to do sth) (noun U)
Can I see your official authorization?
2 not allowing sb to do sth
- to tell sb they cannot do sth: forbid* (sb to do) sth, ban (sb from doing) sth, (formal) prohibit (sb from doing) sth; an act of forbidding sth: (formal) prohibition (noun U)
The law forbids the sale of alcohol to anyone under 18. ◎ My father has banned me from going to any more parties. ◎ the prohibition of drugs
- a law or rule that forbids sth: ban, prohibition
a ban on alcohol
- to say no to sb who asks permission to do sth: refuse sb permission (to do sth), refuse sth
The plane was refused permission to land. ◎ Our request to leave was refused.
- (especially in sports) not to allow or accept sth: disallow sth
The referee disallowed the goal.
- if sth is not allowed, it is forbidden, banned, (formal) prohibited
Playing music after midnight is absolutely forbidden. ◎ Smoking is strictly prohibited.
- if sth is not allowed by law, it is illegal
- if you want to say in a polite or weak way that sb is not allowed to do sth, you can say that they are not supposed/meant to do sth
You're not really supposed to smoke in here.
- a place where you are not allowed to go is out of bounds
3 asking for permission
- to ask sb if they will let you do sth: ask if you can do sth, ask sb's permission (to do sth)
You'll have to ask their permission to camp in the field.
- the word for making a request more polite: please
- to ask for permission to do sth, you can say Can I ※¦? or Could I (possibly) ※¦? or May I ※¦? or Is it all right if ※¦?
'Please could I take an extra day's leave this month?' 'No, I'm afraid you can't.' ◎ 'Is it all right if I use the company car?' 'Yes, of course, go ahead.'
- to ask for permission in a very polite way, you can say Do you mind if ※¦?Would you mind if ※¦?
'Would you mind if my sister comes too?' 'Not at all. We'd love to meet her.'
※ more on saying yes or no to a request YES/NO
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