Definition

Verb: - To distribute something in fixed, limited amounts or portions, typically because of scarcity or to ensure fair allocation. This often involves controlling the supply of an item so that each person or group receives a specific, predetermined share.

Usage

The verb "ration out" is used with a direct object (the item being distributed) and often includes a recipient (to whom it is given). It implies a systematic and controlled distribution due to limited availability. - The camp commander had to ration out the remaining food supplies. - During the crisis, the government rationed out fuel to essential services only.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to ration something out among/to someone": This structure specifies the recipients of the rationed items.
  • The remaining medicine was rationed out among the most critically ill patients.
• The phrasal verb often carries a connotation of careful, sometimes reluctant, distribution due to severe constraints.

Variants and Related Words

• Ration (verb): To allow someone to have only a fixed amount of something. (e.g., )
• Ration (noun): A fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage. (e.g., )
• Rationing (noun): The controlled distribution of scarce resources. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Allocate: To distribute for a particular purpose.
• Apportion: To divide and share out.
• Dole out: To distribute in small amounts (can imply meagerness).
• Met out: To distribute or allot justice, punishment, or something similar.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dole out: To give out, especially in small quantities, often implying charity or necessity.
  • The organization doles out meals to the homeless every night.
• Share out: To divide and distribute something among a group.
  • Let's share out the tasks so we can finish faster.

Related Idioms

• On rations: Receiving a controlled, limited supply.
  • During the siege, the entire city was on rations.

Verb

1. distribute in rations, as in the army
   • Cigarettes are rationed