af·ford / əˈfôrd/ • v. [tr.] 1. have enough money to pay for: we could never have afforded to heat the place. ∎  have (a certain amount of something, esp. money or time) available or to spare: it was taking up more time than he could afford. ∎  be able to do something without risk of adverse consequences: kings could afford to be wrathful.2. provide or supply (an opportunity or facility): the rooftop terrace affords beautiful views.

afford †further, carry out OE.; be able, have the means XIV; grant, yield XVI. Late OE. ġeforðian, f. ġe- Y- + forðian to further, f. FORTH. After the reduction of the prefix to a-, the sp. was assim. to words of L. origin in aff-; for the change of th to d cf. burden, murder.