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

While this may be more of a hassle, it puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to allocating your dollars.

From Salon

But the city’s “mansion tax” is expected to change that, bringing in hundreds of millions per year, about a third of which could be allocated to support “social housing.”

From Los Angeles Times

"We need to stop thinking that allocated spaces for buildings and roads are permanent when they could be reallocated to prioritise green infrastructure," he said.

From Science Daily

Officials in a number of other cities, including Boston and New York City, have similarly promised that local resources would not be allocated to helping federal immigration enforcement issues.

From BBC

The minister added: “The secretary of state for education will be looking across the piece at exactly where the money that she has been allocated will be prioritised.”

From BBC

Related Words

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