permit

verb

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

   “We've been busy permitting the State Street development.”

7. (archaic, rare)To hand over, resign (something to someone).

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

noun

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. An artifact or document rendering something allowed or legal.
3. (obsolete)Formal permission.
4. A pompano of the species Trachinotus falcatus.