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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
Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2025
The administration even alleged that the Mexican government had an alliance with the cartels, a highly explosive accusation that Mexican politicians strongly disputed.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
The following year, Bonta again led a coalition of state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the social media giant violated state consumer protection laws and exploited younger users.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025
For too long, as alleged in the Complaint, the Board has abused its power, violating Florida law and its own governing documents while gaslighting members who invest millions in memberships and annual dues.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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allege
verb
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