Alibi – Definition & Meaning

In the world of law and justice, the word “alibi” holds great significance. It is often used in criminal cases to establish the innocence of a suspect. But what exactly does alibi mean? In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various meanings of alibi.

Definitions

An alibi is a defense used in a criminal trial where the defendant claims to have been somewhere else at the time the crime was committed. It is a Latin term that means “elsewhere” or “in another place.” In simpler terms, an alibi is an excuse or explanation for one’s absence or actions during a specific time period.

Origin

The word “alibi” has its roots in Latin, where it was used to mean “elsewhere” or “in another place.” It was first used in English in the 18th century to refer to the defense of being in another place at the time of a crime.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alibi means “the plea of having been at the time of the commission of an act elsewhere than at the place of commission.” Oxford English Dictionary defines alibi as “a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place.”

Associations

The word alibi is often associated with criminal trials and investigations. It is a crucial defense for the accused to prove their innocence. Alibi is also associated with the concept of time, as it is used to establish a person’s whereabouts during a specific time period.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of alibi include excuse, justification, defense, plea, and pretext.

Antonyms

Antonyms of alibi include confession, admission, and acceptance of guilt.

The same root words

The word alibi is derived from the Latin word “alibi,” which means “elsewhere.” Other words that have the same root word include “alias” (meaning “otherwise” or “also known as”) and “alien” (meaning “belonging to another country or culture”).

Example Sentences

1. The defendant’s alibi was that he was at home at the time of the crime.
2. The police were able to disprove the suspect’s alibi with video evidence.
3. The defense attorney presented several witnesses to support the defendant’s alibi.
4. Without a solid alibi, the accused was found guilty of the crime.
5. The suspect’s alibi was questioned when it was discovered that he had lied about his whereabouts.