v., -mit·ted, -mit·ting, -mits. v.tr.
- 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.
To afford opportunity; allow: if circumstances permit.
n. (pûr'mĭt, pər-mĭt')- Permission, especially in written form.
- A document or certificate giving permission to do something; a license or warrant: a building permit.
[Middle English permitten, from Latin permittere : per-, through; see per– + mittere, to let go.]
permittee per'mit·tee' (pûr'mĭ-tē') n.permitter per·mit'ter n.
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 permits (not permits of ) camping on the beach.




