'excuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excusare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'causa' meant 'cause or 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 or guilt,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to allow someone to leave or be absent.'