extenuation

American  

[ik-sten-yoo-ey-shuhn] / ɪkˌstɛn yuˈeɪ ʃən /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of extenuation

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

Example Sentences

In extenuation of himself, he says “no one anticipated” today’s facts: worldwide energy shortages and an unusually cold winter forecast.

From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2021

Asked about it, he dodged and weaved, searching for extenuation.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2016

Committee chair Dianne Feinstein appears to offer some extenuation when she reminds us in the report's preamble of the shock and "pervasive fear" felt after 9/11.

From Chicago Tribune • Dec. 11, 2014

Even then, some reporters' questions suggested that, if Weiner's conduct could be defined as an illness, some further extenuation might be available.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2013

I will not listen to a word of extenuation from you—there is none—there can be none.

From The Heatherford Fortune a sequel to the Magic Cameo by Sheldon, Georgie, Mrs.