'excuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excusare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'causa' meant 'reason.'

'excusare' transformed into the Old French word 'escuser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'excuse' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to free from blame,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to justify or forgive.'