allocate

[al-uh-keyt]

verb (used with object)

allocated, allocating 

1. to set apart for a particular purpose; assign or allot.

   to allocate funds for new projects.

allocate

/ ˈæləˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to assign or allot for a particular purpose

2. a less common word for locate

Other Word Forms

• allocatable adjective
• allocator noun
• deallocate verb (used with object)
• reallocate verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of allocate¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin allocātus (past participle of allocāre ), equivalent to al- al- + loc(us) “place” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of allocate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin allocāre, from Latin locāre to place, from locus a place

Synonym Study

See assign.

Example Sentences

But officials have not publicly specified where funds would be allocated.

From Los Angeles Times

"There's obviously financial constraints everywhere, but unless you recognise there's a problem – and a significant problem – you're not going to allocate healthcare," he said.

From BBC

In July, Congress allocated $625 million in federal funds for World Cup security.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the way funding was allocated largely related to how many pupils that were on roll and the costs did not necessarily fall in the same way as funding does.

From BBC

Prof Bell points out that funding is mainly allocated to universities based on the previous year's funds.

From BBC

Related Words

• allot 
• apportion 
• appropriate 
• designate 
• earmark 
• give 
• set aside