extenuate

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Extenuated p. pr. & vb. n. Extenuating ] [ L. extenuatus, p. p. of extenuare to make thin, loosen, weaken; ex out + tenuare to make thin, tenuis thin. See Tenuity. ] 1. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness. [ 1913 Webster ]

His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; -- opposed to aggravate. [ 1913 Webster ]

But fortune there extenuates the crime. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To lower or degrade; to detract from. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Who can extenuate thee? Milton.

Syn. -- To palliate; to mitigate. See Palliate. [ 1913 Webster ]