'Extenuate' definitions:

Definition of 'extenuate'

(from WordNet)
verb
Lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of; "The circumstances extenuate the crime" [syn: extenuate, palliate, mitigate]

Definition of 'Extenuate'

From: GCIDE
  • Extenuate \Ex*ten"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Extenuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Extenuating.] [L. extenuatus, p. p. of extenuare to make thin, loosen, weaken; ex out + tenuare to make thin, tenuis thin. See Tenuity.]
  • 1. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness. [1913 Webster]
  • His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail. --Grew. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; -- opposed to aggravate. [1913 Webster]
  • But fortune there extenuates the crime. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality. --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To lower or degrade; to detract from. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Who can extenuate thee? --Milton.
  • Syn: To palliate; to mitigate. See Palliate. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Extenuate'

From: GCIDE
  • Extenuate \Ex*ten"u*ate\, v. i. To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations. --Burke. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Extenuate'

From: GCIDE
  • Extenuate \Ex*ten"u*ate\, a. [L. extenuatus, p. p.] Thin; slender. [Obs.] --Huloet. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Extenuate'