allocate

[ al-uh-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lo·cat·ed, al·lo·cat·ing.

1. to set apart for a particular purpose; assign or allot:

   to allocate funds for new projects.

allocate

/ ˈæləˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to assign or allot for a particular purpose
2. a less common word for locate

Derived Forms

• ˈalloˌcatable, adjective

Other Words From

• al·lo·ca·tor noun
• de·al·lo·cate verb (used with object) deallocated deallocating
• re·al·lo·cate verb (used with object) reallocated reallocating

Word History and Origins

Origin of allocate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin allocātus (past participle of allocāre ), equivalent to al- al- + loc(us) “place” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of allocate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin allocāre, from Latin locāre to place, from locus a place

Synonym Study

See assign.

Example Sentences

"Ukrainian refugees will be allocated first but we will also allocate to homeless families from the Vale of Glamorgan who have been living in temporary accommodation," she said.

From BBC

But opponents including the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network and the Children’s Partnership challenged how Proposition 35 calls to allocate funding from the MCO tax, saying there had been little voice from Medi-Cal enrollees in those decisions, and warned the measure could restrict future flexibility when budgets are tight.

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Charlotte, and New Orleans are some of the cities that could allocate public money for the construction of affordable housing.

From Slate

In addition to seeking custody over her children, Mellencamp is asking the court to allocate visitation time for Arroyave.

From Los Angeles Times

Proposition 4 would allocate $610 million for clean, safe, and reliable drinking water and require at least 40% be spent on projects that benefit vulnerable populations or disadvantaged communities.

From Salon

Related Words

• allot
• apportion
• appropriate
• designate
• earmark
• give
• set aside