Distributed limited amounts of something (usually food or supplies) to people, typically because there isn't enough for everyone.
From French 'ration' meaning 'a fixed allowance,' which comes from Latin 'ratio' meaning 'share or portion.' The word became common during wars when governments controlled food supplies.
During World War II, governments actually controlled how much meat, sugar, and butter families could buy—rationing wasn't just about fairness, it was about making sure soldiers got enough while civilians survived on what was left.
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