consent

[kuhn-sent]

verb (used without object)

1. to permit, approve, or agree; comply or yield (often followed by to or an infinitive).

   He consented to the proposal. We asked her permission, and she consented.

2. Archaic.,  to agree in sentiment, opinion, etc.; be in harmony.

noun

1. permission, approval, or agreement; sanction; acquiescence.

   He gave his consent to the marriage.

   Synonyms: concurrence, accord

2. agreement in sentiment, opinion, a course of action, etc..

   By common consent he was appointed official delegate.

3. Archaic.,  accord; concord; harmony.

consent

/ kənˈsɛnt /

verb

1. to give assent or permission (to do something); agree; accede

2. obsolete,  (intr) to be in accord; agree in opinion, feelings, etc

noun

1. acquiescence to or acceptance of something done or planned by another; permission

2. accordance or harmony in opinion; agreement (esp in the phrase with one consent )

3. the lowest age at which the law recognizes the right of a person to consent to sexual intercourse

Other Word Forms

• consenter noun
• consentingly adverb
• nonconsent noun
• nonconsenting adjective
• preconsent noun
• reconsent verb (used without object)
• unconsenting adjective
• consenting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of consent¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English verb consenten, concenten, from Anglo-French, Old French consentir, from Latin consentīre “to join or share a feeling; concur”; noun derivative of the verb; consensus

Word History and Origins

Origin of consent¹

C13: from Old French consentir, from Latin consentīre to feel together, agree, from sentīre to feel

Synonym Study

See agree.

Example Sentences

His consent processes - in which patients should be able to make informed decisions over surgery - were poor, his record-keeping was inadequate, and his communication with patients was often dismissive, the report added.

From BBC

Which brings me to the consent theory of power, a favorite of theorists and agitators from way back, updated by Gene Sharp, an advocate of nonviolent resistance.

From Salon

Noushabadi said some of those being deported held valid US residency permits, adding that US officials had sought their consent for their return.

From BBC

Kay called the period a hiatus, which started after she took the media on a tour of Matthew’s childhood home without his consent.

From Los Angeles Times

Sophie said "too many men had blurred lines of consent and a misogynistic view on life".

From BBC

Related Words

• acquiescence 
• approval 
• assent 
• authorization 
• blessing 
• compliance 
• concurrence 
• go ahead 
• permission 
• permit 
• sanction 
• understanding