Definition of allocate

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al·lo·cate    (l-kt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
al·lo·cat·ed, al·lo·cat·ing, al·lo·cates

1. To set apart for a special purpose; designate: allocate a room to be used for storage.
2. To distribute according to a plan; allot: allocate rations for a week-long camping trip.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Medieval Latin allocre, alloct- : Latin ad-, ad- + Latin locre, to place (from locus, place)

OTHER FORMS:
allo·cata·ble(Adjective), allo·cation(Noun), allo·ca·tor(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
allocate, appropriate, designate, earmark

These verbs mean to set aside for a specified purpose: allocated time for recreation; appropriated funds for public education; designated a location for the new hospital; money earmarked for a vacation.