provision

[ pruh-vizh-uhn ]

noun

1. a clause in a legal instrument, a law, etc., providing for a particular matter; stipulation; proviso.

   Synonyms: condition

2. the providing or supplying of something, especially of food or other necessities.
3. arrangement or preparation beforehand, as for the doing of something, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means, etc.
4. something provided; a measure or other means for meeting a need.
5. a supply or stock of something provided.
6. provisions, supplies of food.

   Synonyms: stock, provender, store

7. Ecclesiastical.
   1. an appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
   2. appointment by the pope to a see or benefice not yet vacant.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply with provisions.

provision

/ prəˈvɪʒən /

noun

1. the act of supplying or providing food, etc
2. something that is supplied or provided
3. preparations made beforehand (esp in the phrase make provision for )
4. plural food and other necessities, esp for an expedition
5. plural food obtained for a household
6. a demand, condition, or stipulation formally incorporated in a document; proviso
7. the conferring of and induction into ecclesiastical offices

verb

1. tr to supply with provisions

Derived Forms

• proˈvisioner, noun

Other Words From

• pro·vision·er noun
• pro·vision·less adjective
• over·pro·vision noun
• prepro·vision noun
• repro·vision verb
• self-pro·vision noun
• unpro·visioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of provision¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin prōvīsiōn- (stem of prōvīsiō ) “a foreseeing,” equivalent to prōvīs(us) (past participle of prōvidēre “to foresee, look after, provide”) + -iōn- suffix; provide, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of provision¹

C14: from Latin prōvīsiō a providing; see provide

Synonym Study

See food.

Example Sentences

Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data.

From Los Angeles Times

Only voters can change the constitutional provision, but lawmakers have the power and duty to change the law.

From Los Angeles Times

The provision of anti-personnel land mines is the latest move by the outgoing US administration to bolster Ukraine's war effort before Donald Trump returns to the White House on 20 January.

From BBC

For example, it calls for getting rid of a provision that has allowed EPA to recruit scientists at salaries above the government pay scale for 5-year renewable contracts.

From Science Magazine

“Constitutional provisions don’t just leap into action,” Binder noted.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrangement
• plan