excuse

A1
Noun
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

Explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in extenuation of a fault.

Example Sentences
  • Tell me why you were late – and I don't want to hear any excuses!
2 Definition

A defense to a criminal or civil charge wherein the accused party admits to doing acts for which legal consequences would normally be appropriate, but asserts that special circumstances relieve that party of culpability for having done those acts.

3 Definition

(with preceding negative adjective, especially sorry, poor or lame) An example of something that is substandard or of inferior quality.

Example Sentences
  • He's a sorry excuse of a doctor.
Verb
4 definition(s)
1 Definition

To forgive; to pardon.

Example Sentences
  • I excused him his transgressions.
2 Definition

To allow to leave, or release from any obligation.

Example Sentences
  • I excused myself from the proceedings to think over what I'd heard.
3 Definition

To provide an excuse for; to explain, with the aim of alleviating guilt or negative judgement.

Example Sentences
  • You know he shouldn't have done it, so don't try to excuse his behavior!
4 Definition

To relieve of an imputation by apology or defense; to make apology for as not seriously evil; to ask pardon or indulgence for.