extenuate

To extenuate is defined as to reduce the guilt associated with a wrongdoing.

(verb)

The fact that someone is starving is an example of something that would extenuate the guilt for stealing a loaf of bread.

See extenuate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

Archaic to make thin or lean
Now Rare to diminish or weaken
to lessen or seem to lessen the seriousness of (an offense, guilt, etc.) by giving excuses or serving as an excuse: extenuating circumstances
Archaic to underrate; underestimate
Obsolete to belittle or disparage

Origin: < L extenuatus, pp. of extenuare < ex-, out + tenuare, to make thin < tenuis, thin

Related Forms:

See extenuate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb ex·ten·u·at·ed, ex·ten·u·at·ing, ex·ten·u·ates

To lessen or attempt to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of, especially by providing partial excuses. See Synonyms at palliate.
Archaic
a. To make thin or emaciated.
b. To reduce the strength of.
Obsolete To belittle; disparage.

Origin:

Origin: Latin extenuāre, extenuāt-

Origin: : ex-, ex-

Origin: + tenuāre, to make thin (from tenuis, thin; see ten- in Indo-European roots)

Related Forms: