extenuation

[ ik-sten-yoo-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of extenuating.
2. the state of being extenuated.
3. something that extenuates; a partial excuse:

   The youth of the defendant served as an extenuation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English extenuacioun < Latin extenuātiōn- (stem of extenuātiō ). See extenuate, -ion

Example Sentences

The other acknowledged the fact with some degree of reluctance, and explained, with many "buts" as an excuse in extenuation.

From Project Gutenberg

In such case the defendant was empowered to plead the facts in extenuation, and also to pay money into court by way of amends.

From Project Gutenberg

The object of this examination grinned a faint grin of extenuation.

From Project Gutenberg

But this does injustice to these marauders of the sea, who put in a plea of extenuation.

From Project Gutenberg

Their delinquency, it is true, does not cancel hers, but it offers some slight degree of extenuation.

From Project Gutenberg