Definition of permit

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< permissive

permittivity >

per·mit    (pr-mt) KEY 

VERB:
per·mit·ted, per·mit·ting, per·mits
VERB:
tr.

1. To allow the doing of (something); consent to: permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
2. To grant consent or leave to (someone); authorize: permitted him to explain.
3. To afford opportunity or possibility for: weather that permits sailing.

VERB:
intr.

To afford opportunity; allow: if circumstances permit.

NOUN:
(pûrmt, pr-mt)

1. Permission, especially in written form.
2. A document or certificate giving permission to do something; a license or warrant: a building permit.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English permitten, from Latin permittere : per-, through ; see per- + mittere, to let go

OTHER FORMS:
permit·tee  (pûrm-t) KEY (Noun), per·mitter(Noun)
Usage Note:
In the sense "to allow for, be consistent with," permit is often followed by the preposition of: The wording of the note permits of several interpretations. But of should not be used when the meaning of permit is "to give permission": The law permits (not permits of ) camping on the beach.