extenuate extenuate /ɪkˈstɛnjuːˌeɪt/

verb

1. () (law) lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of  ( palliate , extenuate , mitigate )
   (law) lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
    The circumstances extenuate the crime
   The circumstances extenuate the crime