Definition of: extenuate

(ik·sten′y·āt) v.t. ·at·ed, ·at·ing
1. To represent as less blameworthy; make excuses for.
2. To cause to seem less serious or blameworthy.
3. Rare To make thin or weak; attenuate.
4. Obs. To diminish in estimation; depreciate; detract from. [<L extenuatus, pp. of extenuare weaken <ex- out + tenuis thin]
—ex·ten′u·at′ing adjective
—ex·ten′·u·a′tor noun