Verb

(permitt)

* (Joseph Addison) (1672-1719)

Let us not aggravate our sorrows, / But to the gods permit the event of things.

To allow (something) to happen, to give permission for.

*

, title=(The Celebrity), chapter=4 , passage=Mr. Cooke at once began a tirade against the residents of Asquith for permitting a sandy and generally disgraceful condition of the roads. So roundly did he vituperate the inn management in particular, and with such a loud flow of words, that I trembled lest he should be heard on the veranda.}}

* 1930 , "Presbytarians", Time , 19 Dec 1930:

Last week the decision on two points was conclusive: the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. will not permit' ordination of women as ministers, but will ' permit their election as ruling elders, permission which makes possible a woman as moderator.

To allow (someone) to do something; to give permission to.

* 2009 , Patricia Cohen, New York Times , 17 Jan 09, p. 1:

He was ultimately cleared, but during that period, Mr. Ackman said, his lawyers would not permit him to defend himself publicly.

To allow for, to make something possible.

* 2006 , Mary Riddell, "Trident is a Weapon of Mass Destruction", The Observer , 3 Dec 06:

What was left to say? Quite a lot, if only parliamentary time permitted .

* 2009 , John Mitchell, "Clubs Preview", The Guardian , 25 Jul 09:

For snackage there's a 1950s-themed diner plus a barbie on the terrace, weather permitting .

To allow, to admit (of).

* 1910 , , "Reginald in Russia", Reginald in Russia :

‘You English are always so frivolous,’ said the Princess. ‘In Russia we have too many troubles to permit of our being light-hearted.’

* 2007 , Ian Jack, The Guardian , 22 Sep 07:

"As an instrument of economic policy, incantation does not permit of minor doubts or scruples."

(pronounced like noun) To grant formal authorization for (something).

(pronounced like noun) To attempt to obtain or succeed in obtaining formal authorization for (something).

Verb

(refus)

To decline (a request or demand).

My request for a pay rise was refused .

I refuse to listen to this nonsense any more.

* Bible, Isa. i. 20

If ye refuse ye shall be devoured with the sword.

* {{quote-news

, year=2011 , date=September 27 , author=Alistair Magowan , title=Bayern Munich 2 - 0 Man City , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=City were outclassed thereafter and Roberto Mancini said that substitute Carlos Tevez refused to play.}}

To decline a request or demand, forbear; to withhold permission.

I asked the star if I could have her autograph, but she refused .

(military) To throw back, or cause to keep back (as the centre, a wing, or a flank), out of the regular alignment when troops are about to engage the enemy.

to refuse the right wing while the left wing attacks

(obsolete) To disown.

* Shakespeare

Refuse thy name.