allow :make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
This permits the water to rush in|This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement|This will permit the rain to run off
allow :consent to, give permission
She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband|I won't let the police search her basement|I cannot allow you to see your exam
allow :let have
grant permission|Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison
allow :give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
I will earmark this money for your research|She sets aside time for meditation every day
allow :make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain
This leaves no room for improvement|The evidence allows only one conclusion|allow for mistakes|leave lots of time for the trip|This procedure provides for lots of leeway
allow :allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something
I allow for this possibility|The seamstress planned for 5% shrinkage after the first wash
allow :afford possibility
This problem admits of no solution|This short story allows of several different interpretations