Extenuate

eks-ten'u-at, v. t. To draw out, as line of an army; to make thin or slender; to le en; to palliate as a crime; to lower or degrade, as reputation or honor. — v. i. To become thinner, drawn out. — Exten'ua'tion, n. Act of, etc.; palliation (of a crime); mitigation (of punishment).