excuse

: to grant exemption or release to excused the prospective juror excused the witness after an hour of testimony

: justify

: to serve as an excuse or justification exigent circumstances may excuse —J. J. White and R. S. Summers

: excusal

a : a circumstance that allows for release under the law from an obligation, duty, or contractual liability — compare act of god, force majeure, fortuitous event, impossibility of performance

b : a circumstance (as a physical threat) that grants immunity for otherwise tortious or criminal conduct — compare justification, privilege