per·mit
(pər-mĭt́)
[Middle English permitten, from Latin permittere, per-, through; see per–, + mittere, to let go.]
verb: -mit·ted, -mit·ting, -mits.
transitive verb
- To allow the doing of (something); consent to: permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
- To grant consent or leave to (someone); authorize: permitted him to explain.
- To afford opportunity or possibility for: weather that permits sailing.
intransitive verb
- To afford opportunity; allow: if circumstances permit.
noun
- Permission, especially in written form.
- A document or certificate giving permission to do something; a license or warrant: a building permit.
derivatives
- peŕmit·teé
- noun
- per·mit́ter
- noun
usage note
Usage Note: In the sense “to allow for, be consistent with,” permit is often followed by the preposition of: The wording of the note permits of several interpretations. But of should not be used when the meaning of permit is “to give permission”: The law permitspermits ofcamping on the beach.
