alibi

American  

[al-uh-bahy] / ˈæl əˌbaɪ /

noun

plural

alibis

1. Law. the defense by an accused person of having been elsewhere at the time an alleged offense was committed.

2. an excuse, especially to avoid blame.

   Synonyms:

   justification, reason, explanation

3. a person used as one's excuse.

   My sick grandmother was my alibi for missing school.

---

verb (used without object)

1. Informal. to give an excuse; offer a defense.

   to alibi for being late.

verb (used with object)

1. Informal.

   1. to provide an alibi for (someone).

      He alibied his friend out of a fix.

   2. to make or find (one's way) by using alibis.

      to alibi one's way out of work.

alibi British  

/ ˈælɪˌbaɪ /

noun

1. law

   1. a defence by an accused person that he was elsewhere at the time the crime in question was committed

   2. the evidence given to prove this

2. informal an excuse

---

verb

1. (tr) to provide with an alibi

Etymology

Origin of alibi

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin alibī (adverb): “in another place, elsewhere”

Example Sentences

His legal team has lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the murder accusation.

From BBC

Now, Panorama has uncovered new evidence that strengthens the possible alibi.

From BBC

Campbell's legal team has lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the murder accusation.

From BBC

Lenehan has lodged a special defence of alibi on behalf of his client in connection with the murder accusation.

From BBC

It was less an expression of empathy than a preemptive alibi.

From Salon

Related Words

• excuse
• justification
• pretext