Meaning of the Word
“Alibi” refers to evidence or a claim that a person was elsewhere when an alleged act, usually a crime, took place, proving their innocence.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A defense or excuse used to prove that someone was not present at the scene of a crime.
- A claim or piece of evidence that shows a person was elsewhere when an event occurred.
- In legal terms, evidence presented to show that the defendant was not involved in a particular incident.
- A general excuse used to justify or explain an absence.
History and Origin
The word “alibi” comes from the Latin alibi, meaning “elsewhere,” which was used to describe evidence showing a person was in a different location at the time of a crime. The word entered English usage in the early 19th century, primarily in legal contexts. It became widely known due to its role in criminal defense, where it was used to exonerate suspects by proving their absence from the scene of a crime.
Detailed Explanation
An alibi is typically used as a legal defense to demonstrate that a person could not have committed a crime because they were at a different location when the crime took place. It is often supported by testimony or physical evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, or records. In non-legal contexts, “alibi” can also refer to any excuse for being absent or not participating in something. While it is most commonly associated with legal defense, the term can be used more casually to describe any justification or explanation for not being involved in an event.
Example Sentences
- The defendant provided an alibi, claiming he was at a friend’s house during the robbery.
- The police checked his alibi by reviewing security camera footage from the restaurant.
- She had an alibi for the night of the murder, supported by several witnesses.
- His alibi seemed solid, but the investigators still had doubts.
- The defendant’s alibi was confirmed by a phone call log from the night of the crime.
- The suspect’s alibi was weak and didn’t align with the timeline of events.
- They could not verify her alibi, which made her story less credible.
- The man was able to provide a convincing alibi for his whereabouts during the theft.
- The suspect’s alibi was a key factor in the jury’s decision to acquit him.
Synonyms with Short Explanations
- Excuse – A justification or reason given to explain a person’s absence or behavior.
- Defense – Evidence or argument presented to support someone’s innocence or argument.
- Justification – A reason given for an action, often to explain or defend it.
- Explanation – A statement or account used to clarify a situation or event.
- Proof of absence – Evidence showing that a person was not present at a given time.
Related Words with Short Explanations
- Witness – A person who provides testimony, often supporting an alibi.
- Testimony – A formal statement or account of events, sometimes used to verify an alibi.
- Exoneration – The act of proving someone innocent, often with the help of an alibi.
- Evidence – Facts or information used to support or refute an alibi in legal contexts.
- Defense attorney – A lawyer who might use an alibi as part of their case to defend a client.
More Matches with Short Explanations
- Allegation – A claim or assertion, often related to accusations where an alibi might be used.
- Motive – The reason for committing a crime, which might be questioned even with an alibi.
- Innocence – The state of being free from guilt, often supported by an alibi.
- Accusation – A charge or claim that could be countered by an alibi.
- Defense – A legal argument, such as an alibi, that supports a defendant’s innocence.
Antonyms
- Guilt
- Incrimination
- Conviction
- Blame
- Responsibility
