To Excuse

1. (transitive) To forgive; to pardon.
2. (transitive) To allow to leave, or release from any obligation.
3. (transitive) To provide an excuse for; to explain, with the aim of alleviating guilt or negative judgement.
4. To relieve of an imputation by apology or defense; to make apology for as not seriously evil; to ask pardon or indulgence for.

Synonyms

• (to release from guilt, shame, or punishment): forgive, let off the hook, let pass, pardon, unguilt