Excusen

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. To offer reasons or explanations in order to justify, overlook, or forgive an action ; to release someone from blame or duty
2. Providing a justification or apology to remove fault or obligation ; granting a pardon, exemption, or forgiveness
3. Giving a rationale to negate responsibility ; absolving someone or permitting avoidance of an assigned role or accusation

Etymology: "Excusen" is the Middle English form of the verb, with the "-en" ending that marked infinitives in that period. The modern spelling "excuse" descends from it. The root is Latin "excusare," built from "ex-," meaning "out of," and "causa," which in Roman legal usage meant a lawsuit or accusation. The original idea was getting someone out of a charge, and the modern sense of offering a reason for a fault grew from that courtroom setting. The word reached English through Old French "excuser," which kept the sense of clearing someone of blame. The noun for a plea offered to avoid blame developed alongside the verb along the same path, so the two forms have always pointed back to that original act of answering an accusation.

Synonyms: excuse, apology, justification, alibi, reason

Antonyms: blame, accusation, condemnation, fault, guilt