Extenuate

Definition of Extenuate

Ex`ten´u`ate
v. t.1.To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.
[imp. & p. p. Extenuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Extenuating.]
His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.
- Grew.
2.To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; - opposed to aggravate.
But fortune there extenuates the crime.
- Dryden.
Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality.
- I. Taylor.
3.To lower or degrade; to detract from.
Who can extenuate thee?
- Milton.
v. i.1.To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations.
a.1.Thin; slender.

Related Words

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