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These days, someone alleges something before presenting evidence to prove it (or perhaps without evidence at all). But the word allege comes directly from the Middle English verb alleggen, meaning "to submit (something) in evidence or as justification." (Alleggen traces back to the Anglo-French word aleger, meaning "to lighten, free, or exculpate.") Our word has at times in the past carried a meaning closer to that of its ancestor's: it was once applied when bringing someone or something forward as a source or authority in court, as in "a text alleged in support of the argument." The word has also been used to mean "to bring forward as a reason or excuse," as in these lines from Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel Jane Eyre: "I did not like to walk at this hour alone with Mr. Rochester in the shadowy orchard; but I could not find a reason to allege for leaving him."
Examples of allege in a Sentence
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Prosecutors allege 23-year-old Lontray Clark set the fire after finding out his ex-girlfriend was dating his friend, CBS News reported.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 14 July 2025
Trump also defended Bondi in a Truth Social post over the weekend and urged his followers to move on from Epstein, alleging the files were manufactured by Democrats.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Education and politics: Arizonans on student loan repayment plans can expect big changes under Big Beautiful Bill
The lawsuit alleges Trump overstepped his authority in withholding funds that were approved by Congress, among other arguments.
—Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for allege
Cite this Entry
“Allege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allege. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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allege
verb
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