Restrict the consumption of a relatively scarce commodity, as during war

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"restriction to limited allotments," 1865, verbal noun from ration (v.). Specifically of restrictions during wartime from 1917, from conditions in England during World War I.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the act of rationing; "during the war the government imposed rationing of food and gasoline"

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Word definitions in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
noun COLLOCATIONS FROM CORPUS ■ NOUN credit ▪ To avoid this, credit rationing would have to extend to all institutions. ▪ If credit rationing has been in force, then a relaxation of controls will increase borrowing and spending. ▪ They may thus find ways ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Rationing is the controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services, or an artificial restriction of demand. Rationing controls the size of the ration, which is one's allowed portion of the resources being distributed on a particular day or ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 A ration. 2 Controlled distribution of scarce resources such as food or fuel; used typically in wartime. vb. (present participle of ration English)