1. 允许；准许
    If someone permits something, they allow it to happen. If they permit you to do something, they allow you to do it.

    e.g. He can let the court's decision stand and permit the execution...
           他有权维持法庭判决，批准死刑生效。
    e.g. The guards permitted me to bring my camera and tape recorder...
           卫兵准许我带相机和录音机。

2. 许可证；特许证
    A permit is an official document which says that you may do something. For example you usually need a permit to work in a foreign country.

    e.g. The majority of foreign nationals working here have work permits...
           大多数在这里工作的外国人都有工作许可证。
    e.g. He has to apply for a permit, and we have to find him a job.
           他必须要申请工作许可证，我们得给他找份工作。

3. 允许；使有可能
    If a situation permits something, it makes it possible for that thing to exist, happen, or be done or it provides the opportunity for it.

permit

    e.g. He sets about creating an environment that just doesn't permit experiment, it encourages it...
           他着手营造一种不仅可以进行试验而且鼓励进行试验的环境。
    e.g. Try to go out for a walk at lunchtime, if the weather permits...
           只要天气不太差，中午尽量出去散散步。

4. 破例做；放纵
    If you permit yourself something, you allow yourself to do something that you do not normally do or that you think you probably should not do.

    e.g. Captain Bowen permitted himself one cigar a day...
           鲍恩上尉破例允许自己每天抽一支雪茄。
    e.g. Only once in his life had Douglas permitted himself to lose control of his emotions.
           道格拉斯一生中只有一次情绪失控。

5. （用于提出建议）请允许我
    You can use permit me when you are about to say something or to make a suggestion.

    e.g. Permit me to give you some advice...
           请允许我给你提点建议。
    e.g. Permit me to offer you my sincere congratulations.
           谨致衷心祝贺。