Definition of "ration" in English

noun

1. A portion of some limited resource, especially food, allocated to a person or group.

verb

1. (transitive) To supply with a ration; to limit (someone) to a specific allowance of something.

   • We rationed ourselves to three sips of water a day until we were rescued.

2. (transitive) To portion out (especially during a shortage of supply); to limit access to.

   • By the third day on the raft, we had to ration our water.

3. (transitive) To restrict (an activity etc.)

   • I've rationed myself to one cup of coffee a day.
   • Our present health care system is rationed only to those who can afford it because of unnecessary high cost, lack of insurance coverage by 47 million people, and exorbitant prescription prices.