alibi

Meaning

Noun

1. 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.
2. An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.

Verb

1. To provide an alibi for.
2. To provide an excuse for.

Synonyms

excuse

plea

self-justification

exculpation

pretense

pretext

defense

apology

plead

proof

protect

reason

shield

🛡️

sorry

make excuses

defense of being elsewhere

proof of absence

defend

evasion

evidence

excuses

exonerate

indemnify

justification

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈæl.ə.baɪ/

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.