(of a factor or situation) serving to lessen the seriousness of an offence

library staff will waive fines where there are genuine extenuating circumstances

hunger and poverty are not treated by the courts as extenuating circumstances

cause (an offence) to seem less serious

even the fact that you once helped to save my life could not extenuate your offence

make (someone) thin

his whole frame was extenuated by hunger and fatigue

drawings of extenuated figures