verb
1. take measures in preparation for
e.g. provide for the proper care of the passengers on the cruise ship
2. determine (what is to happen in certain contingencies), especially by including a proviso condition or stipulation
e.g. The will provides that each child should receive half of the money
The Constitution provides for the right to free speech
3. give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
e.g. The hostess provided lunch for all the guests
Synonym: supplyplycater
4. supply means of subsistence
earn a living
e.g. He provides for his large family by working three jobs
Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon
Synonym: bring home the bacon
5. give something useful or necessary to
e.g. We provided the room with an electrical heater
Synonym: supplyrenderfurnish
6. mount or put up
e.g. put up a good fight
offer resistance
Synonym: put upoffer
7. make a possibility or provide opportunity for
permit to be attainable or cause to remain
e.g. This leaves no room for improvement
The evidence allows only one conclusion
allow for mistakes
leave lots of time for the trip
This procedure provides for lots of leeway
Synonym: leaveallow forallow