Definition of: excuse

(ik·skyz′) v.t. ·cused, ·cus·ing
1. To pardon and overlook (a fault, offense, etc.); regard as unimportant.
2. To try to free (someone) from blame; seek to remove blame from: I excused myself to him.
3. To offer a reason or apology for (an error, fault, etc.); try to obtain pardon for or minimize.
4. To be or serve as a reason for; justify: His energy does not excuse his lateness.
5. To release from attendance, a duty, promise, etc.
6. To refrain from exacting or enforcing, as a demand or claim. See synonyms under JUSTIFY, PALLIATE, PARDON.
—noun (ik·skys′)
1. A plea in extenuation of an offense, neglect, or failure.
2. The act of excusing.
3. A reason for excusing. See synonyms under APOLOGY, PRETENSE. [<OF excuser <L excusare <ex- out, away + causa charge, accusation]
—ex·cus′a·ble adjective
—ex·cus′a·ble·ness noun
—ex·cus′a·bly adverb
—ex·cus′er noun