alibi

al-i-bi · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    [law]A claim or piece of evidence that a person was elsewhere when an act, typically a crime, was committed.

  2. 2.

    An excuse or justification for an action or failure.

Forms

plural: alibis

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    alibi witness — A person who confirms someone's alibi.
  • •
    airtight alibi — An alibi that cannot be questioned or disproved.
  • •
    provide an alibi — To give evidence of being elsewhere.

Related words

Antonyms: admission, confession
See also: defense, excuse, witness
Synonyms: defense, excuse, justification, plea

Etymology

From Latin alibi meaning "elsewhere, in another place," from alius ("other") + -bi (locative suffix). Originally used in English as an adverb meaning "elsewhere" before taking on its current noun meaning in legal contexts.