Definitions

1. noun

a limited allowance or supply of food, water, or other essential items; a measured amount of food, especially for a prisoner or a soldier.

“The refugees were given a daily ration of bread and water.”

2. verb

to divide or allocate something, especially food or supplies, in a limited amount or proportion.

“The ship’s captain rationed the remaining food among the crew.”

3. verb

to limit or reduce something, especially a resource, to a specified amount or proportion.

“The government rationed electricity to households during the drought.”

4. verb

to regulate or control the consumption of something, especially a luxury or an indulgence.

“The parents rationed their children’s screen time to promote outdoor play.”

5. noun

a reason or explanation for something.

“There’s no ration for his behavior; he just did it on a whim.”