alegar
/aleˈɡaɾ/ · B2 · verb
to claim, to allege
⚖️ alegar = a- + leg(al): put forward a legal-sounding claim as your excuse
From Latin allegare, 'to dispatch, cite'. Hear the 'leg' as in legal: when you alegar, you cite reasons or a claim to defend your actions, like a lawyer. English 'allege' is the same word.