Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

al|lo|cate /æ ləke I t/ (allocates , allocating , allocated ) VERB If one item or share of something is allocated to a particular person or for a particular purpose, it is given to that person or used for that purpose. □ [be V -ed + to ] Tickets are limited and will be allocated to those who apply first. □ [V n + for/to ] This year's budget allocated £15m to cycle safety in the capital. □ [V n to-inf] Our plan is to allocate one member of staff to handle appointments. [Also V n n, V n]

al|lo|ca|tion /æ ləke I ʃ ^ə n/ (allocations )

1 N‑COUNT An allocation is an amount of something, especially money, that is given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □ [+ for ] There will be a closer review of funding allocations for future conferences.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The allocation of something is the decision that it should be given to a particular person or used for a particular purpose. □  Town planning and land allocation had to be coordinated.

al|lot /əlɒ t/ (allots , allotting , allotted ) VERB [usu passive] If something is allotted to someone, it is given to them as their share. □ [be V -ed + to ] The seats are allotted to the candidates who have won the most votes. □ [be V -ed n] We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.

al|lot|ment /əlɒ tmənt/ (allotments )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, an allotment is a small area of land in a town which a person rents to grow plants and vegetables on.

2 N‑COUNT An allotment of something is a share or amount of it that is given to someone. □ [+ of ] His meager allotment of gas had to be saved for emergencies.

a ll-ou t also all out ADJ [ADJ n] You use all-out to describe actions that are carried out in a very energetic and determined way, using all the resources available. □  He launched an all-out attack on his critics. ● ADV [ADV after v] All out is also an adverb. □  We will be going all out to ensure it doesn't happen again.

al|low ◆◆◆ /əlaʊ / (allows , allowing , allowed )

1 VERB If someone is allowed to do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The children are not allowed to watch violent TV programmes. □ [V n to-inf] The Government will allow them to advertise on radio and television. □ [be V -ed adv/prep] They will be allowed home. □ [be V -ed] Smoking will not be allowed. [Also V n/v-ing]

2 VERB If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it. □ [be V -ed] Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed. □ [be V -ed n] He should be allowed the occasional treat.

3 VERB If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it. □ [V n to-inf] He won't allow himself to fail. □ [be V -ed to-inf] If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.

4 VERB If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen. □ [V n to-inf] The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms. □ [V n n] …an attempt to allow the Tory majority a greater share of power. □ [V n] She said this would allow more effective planning.

5 VERB If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning. □ [V n + for ] Please allow 28 days for delivery. □ [V n] Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.