alibi

Meanings

Plural: alibis

Noun

(law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
- "every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job"
The plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed.
An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.

Verb

exonerate by means of an alibi
To provide an alibi for.
To provide an excuse for.

Origin / Etymology

From the 18th century, from Latin alibī (“elsewhere, at another place”, adverb). Probably after French alibi, which has this use since the late 14th century.

Synonyms

exculpation, excuse, self-justification

Scrabble Score: 7

alibi is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
alibi is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
alibi is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 9

alibi is a valid Words With Friends word