provision

American  

[pruh-vizh-uhn] / prəˈvɪʒ ən /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to supply with provisions.

provision British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (tr) to supply with provisions

Related Words

See food.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of provision

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

Example Sentences

A little-known and never used provision of the Federal Reserve Act allows the Board of Governors to remove district bank presidents.

From The Wall Street Journal

The EA said they were to scrap the schemes due to "concerns about the adequacy of health care provisions" for children taking part.

From BBC

Instead, the two sides reached a cooperation agreement, under which Elliott agreed to customary standstill and voting provisions, Norwegian said.

From The Wall Street Journal

They told the BBC there had been little visible provision of basic safety measures, including public shelters, evacuation support or temporary accommodation for those displaced.

From BBC

Individual rates, estate exemptions, and important structural provisions are now effectively permanent.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• plan