permit

¹

[ verb per-mit; noun pur-mit, per-mit ]

verb (used with object)

, per·mit·ted, per·mit·ting.

1. to allow to do something:

   Permit me to explain.

   Antonyms: refuse, reject

2. to allow to be done or occur:

   The law does not permit the sale of such drugs.

3. to tolerate; agree to:

   a law permitting Roman Catholicism in England.

4. to afford opportunity for, or admit of:

   vents to permit the escape of gases.

verb (used without object)

, per·mit·ted, per·mit·ting.

1. to grant permission; allow liberty to do something.
2. to afford opportunity or possibility:

   Write when time permits.

3. to allow or admit (usually followed by of ):

   statements that permit of no denial.

noun

1. an authoritative or official certificate of permission; license:

   a fishing permit.

   Synonyms: franchise

2. a written order granting special permission to do something.
3. permission.

permit

²

[ pur-mit ]

noun

1. a pompano, Trachinotus falcatus, of the waters off the West Indies.

permit

verb

1. tr to grant permission to do something

   you are permitted to smoke

2. tr to consent to or tolerate

   she will not permit him to come

3. whenintr, often foll by of; when tr, often foll by an infinitive to allow the possibility (of)

   the passage permits of two interpretations

   his work permits him to relax nowadays

noun

1. an official certificate or document granting authorization; licence
2. permission, esp written permission

Derived Forms

• perˈmitter, noun

Other Words From

• per·mit·tee [pur-mi-, tee], noun
• per·mit·ter noun
• un·per·mit·ting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of permit¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin permittere “to let go through, give leave,” equivalent to per- per- + mittere “to let or make (someone) go”; admit, commit, etc.

Origin of permit²

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; apparently by folk etymology from Spanish palometa palometa

Word History and Origins

Origin of permit¹

C15: from Latin permittere, from per- through + mittere to send

Example Sentences

Lady Java, as she was also known, worked as a drag queen, singer, dancer, comedian and “female impersonator” at a time when cross-dressing was forbidden without a permit, winning over crowds in predominantly straight clubs and running in circles with L.A. luminaries such as Lena Horne.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1967, Java joined the American Civil Liberties Union in a lawsuit challenging her arrest by Los Angeles police for performing in drag without a permit, a violation of what was then known as Rule No. 9, a local cross-dressing ordinance.

From Los Angeles Times

It prompted criticism from a House of Lords committee, which said the change was being introduced "at a pace that does not permit appropriate scrutiny".

From BBC

Regardless, for many workers who take odd jobs under the table or use a false Social Security number to work, a temporary job permit can mean better pay and at least temporary reprieve from the fear of being deported.

From Los Angeles Times

Bautista had applied for her work permit in early August, and received it weeks later.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allowance
• charter
• concession
• consent
• go ahead
• grant
• license
• passport
• patent
• permission
• privilege
• visa
• warrant