What is the meaning of rationing?

noun

• The act of rationing.
  • usage: "during the war the government imposed rationing of food and gasoline"

verb

• Restrict the consumption of a relatively scarce commodity, as during war.
  • usage: "Bread was rationed during the siege of the city"
  • synonyms: ration
• Distribute in rations, as in the army.
  • usage: "Cigarettes are rationed"
  • synonyms: ration, ration out