Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - provide for

1. If you provide for someone, you support them financially and make sure that they have the things that they need. Elaine wouldn’t let him provide for her... Her father always ensured she was well provided for. PHRASAL VERB: V P n, be adv V-ed for 2. If you provide for something that might happen or that might need to be done, you make arrangements to deal with it. James had provided for just such an emergency. PHRASAL VERB: V P n 3. If a law or agreement provides for something, it makes it possible. (FORMAL) The bill provides for the automatic review of all death sentences. PHRASAL VERB: V P n