apportion

[ uh-pawr-shuhn, uh-pohr- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to distribute or allocate proportionally; divide and assign according to some rule of proportional distribution:

   to apportion expenses among the three men.

apportion

/ əˈpɔːʃən /

verb

1. tr to divide, distribute, or assign appropriate shares of; allot proportionally

   to apportion the blame

Derived Forms

• apˈportionable, adjective
• apˈportioner, noun

Other Words From

• ap·portion·a·ble adjective
• ap·portion·er noun
• nonap·portion·a·ble adjective
• unap·portioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apportion¹

1565–75; < Middle French apportionner, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + portionner to portion

Example Sentences

There have been persistent disagreements about how triggers for water cutbacks should be determined, and how the reductions should be apportioned.

From Los Angeles Times

This is because both citizens and noncitizens are counted in the census and this data is then used to apportion seats.

From Salon

Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is measured with sensors and aerial images, reservoir levels are electronically logged, and the movement of water through aqueducts is apportioned based on rights and contracts.

From Los Angeles Times

Attempts by politicians to apportion blame for high inflation, or claim credit for it falling, should be treated with caution.

From BBC

Wonderful’s pistachio and almond orchards have complicated efforts to apportion water among the state’s competing stakeholders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• administer
• allocate
• allot
• distribute
• divvy up