provision

[pruh-vizh-uhn]

noun

1. a clause in a legal instrument, a law, etc., providing for a particular matter; stipulation; proviso.

   Synonyms: condition

2. the providing or supplying of something, especially of food or other necessities.

3. arrangement or preparation beforehand, as for the doing of something, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means, etc.

4. something provided; a measure or other means for meeting a need.

5. a supply or stock of something provided.

6. provisions, supplies of food.

   Synonyms: stock, provender, store

7. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an appointment to an ecclesiastical office.

   2. appointment by the pope to a see or benefice not yet vacant.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply with provisions.

provision

/ prəˈvɪʒən /

noun

1. the act of supplying or providing food, etc

2. something that is supplied or provided

3. preparations made beforehand (esp in the phrase make provision for )

4. (plural) food and other necessities, esp for an expedition

5. (plural) food obtained for a household

6. a demand, condition, or stipulation formally incorporated in a document; proviso

7. the conferring of and induction into ecclesiastical offices

verb

1. (tr) to supply with provisions

Other Word Forms

• provisioner noun
• provisionless adjective
• overprovision noun
• preprovision noun
• reprovision verb
• self-provision noun
• unprovisioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of provision¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin prōvīsiōn- (stem of prōvīsiō ) “a foreseeing,” equivalent to prōvīs(us) (past participle of prōvidēre “to foresee, look after, provide”) + -iōn- suffix; provide, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of provision¹

C14: from Latin prōvīsiō a providing; see _provide

Synonym Study

See food.

Example Sentences

The law has since been changed with the National Security Act 2023 which Mr Parkinson said contained "more extensive provisions to deal with espionage and those who are acting on behalf of foreign powers".

From BBC

She said Congress wrote the “for cause” provision to punish “malfeasance in office,” not conduct that pre-dated her appointment.

From Los Angeles Times

Both provisions were part of budget cuts in the GOP’s “Big Vile Bill.”

From Salon

The government is expected to publish plans on how to reform Send provision in England this autumn.

From BBC

Throughout the years, reality TV has tried to protect itself from real-life lawyers with nondisclosure agreements and provisions requiring disputes be taken to arbitration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrangement 
• plan