Answer: pardoning

AnswerCrossword Clue
PARDONINGExcusing
pardoningPARDON, to release from liability for an offence
pardoningRelease (an offender) from the legal consequences of an offense or conviction, and often implicitly from blame
pardoningUsed to indicate that the actions or thoughts of someone are justified or understandable given the circumstances
pardoningForgive or excuse (a person, error, or offense)