Grant an exemption (6)
I believe the answer is:
excuse
'grant an exemption' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for excuse that I've seen before include "Pardon, or release from obligation" , "Mitigate; forgive" , "Make allowances for; forgive" , "Pardon or forgive" , "A self-justification" .)