Consent means giving permission or agreement for something to happen. When you consent to something, you're saying “yes” clearly and voluntarily, not because someone forced you or tricked you.

Consent matters in many everyday situations. Before a doctor gives you a vaccine, your parent must consent to the medical treatment. Before a teacher posts your artwork in the school hallway, you should consent to having it displayed. If a friend wants to borrow your bike, you consent by saying “yes, you can use it.” Without your consent, taking your bike wouldn't be borrowing, it would be stealing.

Real consent requires three things: you understand what you're agreeing to, you're free to say no without punishment or pressure, and you actually give a clear “yes.” Someone nodding silently or not saying “no” isn't the same as consent. You have to actually agree.

The word can also mean general agreement among a group. When a class reaches consensus about which book to read next, everyone has agreed on the choice.

Consent can be withdrawn, meaning you can change your mind. If you consent to play a game but later want to stop, you have the right to withdraw your consent and walk away.