apportion

[uh-pawr-shuhn, uh-pohr-]

verb (used with object)

1. to distribute or allocate proportionally; divide and assign according to some rule of proportional distribution.

   to apportion expenses among the three men.

apportion

/ əˈpɔːʃən /

verb

1. (tr) to divide, distribute, or assign appropriate shares of; allot proportionally

   to apportion the blame

Other Word Forms

• apportionable adjective
• apportioner noun
• nonapportionable adjective
• unapportioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apportion¹

1565–75; < Middle French apportionner, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + portionner to portion

Example Sentences

“Because you have an intentional criminal act,” he said, “liability would have to be apportioned between the bad actors.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"This is new territory," Cortinas said, adding the role of Entso-e was "not to apportion blame to any party" over the cause.

Read more on BBC

The White House says it intends to replace the current system, a random lottery apportioning available H-1B slots among all applicants, with one favoring applications to fill the highest-paid slots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An FAI is a public examination of the circumstances of a death in the public interest before a sheriff, which does not apportion blame or fault.

Read more on BBC

The preliminary report states its role is "not to apportion blame or liability".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• administer 
• allocate 
• allot 
• distribute 
• divvy up www.thesaurus.com