C2 verb /ɪkˈstɛnjueɪt/
extenuate
смягчить
Meaning
to make an offense, fault, or situation seem less serious by providing an excuse or explanation
Example
The lawyer tried to extenuate his client's actions by highlighting his difficult childhood.
Адвокат пытался смягчить действия своего клиента, подчеркивая его трудное детство.