justification

Universal Words noun [U,C] ~ (for sth / doing sth) a good reason why sth exists or is done: I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases. * He was getting angry-and with some justification. IDIOMS in justification (of sb/sth) as an explanation of why sth exists or why sb has done sth: All I can say in justification of her actions is that she was under a lot of pressure at work.