provide for sb/sth phr v [T] 1 to give someone the things that they need, such as money, food, or clothing 供养，抚养: He has to provide for a family of five. 他得供养起一家五口。 2 if a plan provides for something, for example something that might happen in the future, it is included in the plan 为〔可能发生的事〕作好准备