permit permit /ˈpɝːˌmɪt/

noun

1. () (law) a legal document giving official permission to do something  ( licence [Canadian, British] , license [ N. American] , permit )
   (law) a legal document giving official permission to do something
     He obtained a permit to build a new house on his property.
   He obtained a permit to build a new house on his property.
   
2. () The act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization  ( license [ N. American] , permission , permit )
   the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
   
3. Large game fish; found in waters of the West Indies  ( permit , Trachinotus falcatus )
   large game fish; found in waters of the West Indies
   
   

verb

1. () Consent to, give permission  ( countenance , let , allow , permit )
   consent to, give permission
    She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband
   She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband
    I won't let the police search her basement
   I won't let the police search her basement
    I cannot allow you to see your exam
   I cannot allow you to see your exam
   
2. () Make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen  ( permit , allow , let )
   make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
    This permits the water to rush in
   This permits the water to rush in
    This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement
   This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement
    This will permit the rain to run off
   This will permit the rain to run off
   
3. Allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting  ( allow , permit , tolerate )
   allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting
    We don't allow dogs here
   We don't allow dogs here
    Children are not permitted beyond this point
   Children are not permitted beyond this point
    We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital
   We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital