extenuating circumstance

noun Law.

Usually extenuating circumstances. a circumstance that renders conduct less serious and thereby serves to reduce the damages to be awarded or the punishment to be imposed.

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Origin of extenuating circumstance

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby extenuating circumstance

extensor muscle of little finger, extensor retinaculum, extent, extenuate, extenuating, extenuating circumstance, extenuating circumstances, extenuation, extenuatory, exterior, exterior angle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020