[ɛkˈskjuːz], (Verb)

Definitions:
- seek to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offence); try to justify
(e.g: he did nothing to hide or excuse Jacob's cruelty)

- release (someone) from a duty or requirement
(e.g: it will not be possible to excuse you from attendance)


Phrases:
- excuse me
- excuse you
- make one's excuses

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French escuser (verb), from Latin excusare ‘to free from blame’, from ex- ‘out’ + causa ‘accusation, cause’

[ɛkˈskjuːs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offence
(e.g: there can be no excuse for any further delay)

- a poor or inadequate example of
(e.g: that pathetic excuse for a man!)


Phrases:
- excuse me
- excuse you
- make one's excuses

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French escuser (verb), from Latin excusare ‘to free from blame’, from ex- ‘out’ + causa ‘accusation, cause’