excuse

excuse [ek skyo͞oz′, ikskyo͞oz′; ] for n. [, ekskyo͞os′]

vt.

excused, excusing [ME excusen < OFr escuser & L excusare, to free from a charge < L ex-, from + causa, a charge: see CAUSE]

1. to try to free (a person) of blame; seek to exonerate

2. to try to minimize or pardon (a fault); apologize or give reasons for

3. to consider (an offense or fault) as not important; overlook; pardon [excuse my rudeness]

4. to release from an obligation, duty, promise, etc.

5. to permit to leave

6. to serve as an explanation or justification for; justify; exculpate; absolve [a selfish act that nothing will excuse]

n.

1. a plea in defense of or explanation for some action or behavior; apology

2. a release from obligation, duty, etc.

3. something that excuses; extenuating or justifying factor

4. a pretended reason for conduct; pretext

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a poor excuse for or a bad excuse for

a very inferior example of

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excuse oneself

1. to ask that one's fault be overlooked; apologize

2. to ask for permission to leave

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make one's excuses

to express one's regret over not being able to attend a social gathering, etc.