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Alibi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alibi

[ˈælɪˌbaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal defense

An alibi is a defense used in a court of law whereby a defendant proves they were elsewhere when a crime was committed, thus asserting their innocence. It is often supported by evidence such as witness statements or surveillance footage.

Synonyms

excuse, explanation, justification.

Examples of usage

  • She had a solid alibi for the night of the robbery.
  • His alibi was confirmed by multiple witnesses.
  • The suspect's alibi fell apart under scrutiny.
Context #2 | Noun

everyday usage

Alibi can also refer to an excuse or justification for a person's actions or behavior, often used informally. This broader usage doesn't necessarily pertain to legal contexts.

Synonyms

defense, pretext, rationale.

Examples of usage

  • He always has an alibi ready for being late.
  • Her alibi about missing the meeting was flimsy.
  • They came up with an alibi for why they didn't attend the event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In a courtroom, an alibi can be crucial in proving innocence by verifying the accused's presence at another location.
  • Successful alibis often need strong evidence, like witness testimonies or surveillance footage.
  • The term has seen a rise in use due to popular crime dramas portraying complex investigation scenarios.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous films and TV shows use 'alibi' as a plot twist to create suspense or reveal the true criminal.
  • Songs and literature often reference the idea of having an alibi as a metaphor for deception or hiding the truth.
  • The concept of an alibi has helped shape various crime genres, focusing on the challenge of establishing innocence.

Psychology

  • Research in psychology explores how individuals create false alibis to avoid facing consequences.
  • The reliability of an alibi can be influenced by a person's memory and stress during critical situations.
  • Studies show that group dynamics can affect how an alibi is constructed and perceived by others.

Literature

  • Alibis play a significant role in detective fiction, where plot relies on unraveling the truth behind each character's actions.
  • Classic novels often employ misdirection, where a character's alibi serves to divert suspicion.
  • Writers use alibis to explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for justice in narratives.

Origin of 'alibi'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin phrase 'alibi' meaning 'elsewhere,' suggesting a different location.
  • It first entered English in the late 17th century, initially used in legal contexts.
  • The term is often associated with criminal law where it serves as a defense strategy.

The word 'alibi' comes from the Latin term 'alibi', meaning 'elsewhere'. It originated in the legal context, initially used to describe evidence that a person was not at the scene of a crime. The term has been adopted into common usage to refer to any excuse or justification for an action or behavior. Alibi has been widely used in both legal and informal contexts since the 17th century, and its prevalence has continued to evolve with the advent of media, where it frequently appears in crime dramas and legal discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,152, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.