excuse

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour: Late again! What's your excuse this time? * There's no excuse for such behaviour. * His excuse for forgetting her birthday was that he had lost his diary. * You don't have to make excuses for her (= try to think of reasons for her behaviour). * It's late. I'm afraid I'll have to make my excuses (= say I'm sorry, give my reasons and leave). -< REASON 2 ~ (for sth / for doing sth)