mindmap root((原谅)) excuse may refer to the overlooking of specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or to the person responsible for these: ~ an interruption. condone implies that one passes over without censure or punishment a kind of behavior, such as dishonesty or violence, that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code: a society that ~s alchcol but not drugs. pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense or refrains from exacting punishment: ~ a criminal. forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and all resentment or desire for revenge: ~ their previous lapses.