alibi
nounverbcommon in dialogue
- United States//ˈæl.ə.baɪ//
The plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed.
noun
- 1
The plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed.
to set up an alibi
to prove an alibi
The judge said, “Son, what is your alibi? If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die.”
Alibi is different from all of the other defenses . . . it is based upon the premise that the defendant is truly innocent.
- 2
An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.
That day in September, I'm sure you can remember / That's when all the stuff hit the fan (the stuff hit the fan) / You told me a lie, and you didn't have an alibi / But baby, yet I still cared
Etymology
From the 18th century, from Latin alibī (“elsewhere, at another place”, adverb). Probably after French alibi, which has this use since the late 14th century.
verb
- 1
To provide an alibi for.
Bond laughed. 'What an organization!' he said. 'I'm sure it's all beautifully covered up and alibied. What a man! He certainly seems to have the run of this country.'
- 2
To provide an excuse for.
Forms
- plural
- alibis
- past tense
- alibied
- past participle
- alibied
- present participle
- alibiing
- third person singular
- alibis, alibies
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