First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
allege
verb al·lege \ə-ˈlej\
: to state without definite proof that someone has done something wrong or illegal
al·legedal·leg·ing
Full Definition of ALLEGE
transitive verb
1
archaic : to adduce or bring forward as a source or authority
2
: to assert without proof or before proving <the newspaper alleges the mayor's guilt>
3
: to bring forward as a reason or excuse
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Origin of ALLEGE
Middle English alleggen to submit in evidence or as justification, adduce, from Anglo-French aleger, allegger, probably in part modification of Medieval Latin allegare, from Latin, to send as a representative, adduce in support of a plea (from ad- + legare to depute), in part from Anglo-French aleger to lighten, free, exculpate, from Late Latin alleviare to relieve — more at legate, alleviate
Related to ALLEGE
Rhymes with ALLEGE
ALLEGE Defined for Kids
allege
verb al·lege \ə-ˈlej\
al·legedal·leg·ing
Definition of ALLEGE for Kids
: to state as fact but without proof
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