Vindicate

Origin

From Latin vindicātus, perfect passive participle of vindicō ("lay legal claim to something; set free; protect, avenge, punish"), from vim, accusative singular of vīs ("force, power"), + dīcō ("say; declare, state").

Full definition of vindicate

Verb

1. To clear from an accusation, suspicion or criticism.to vindicate someone's honor
2. To justify by providing evidence.to vindicate a right, claim or title
• 2012, June 19, Phil McNulty, England 1-0 Ukraine, The Ukrainians immediately demanded a goal and their claims were vindicated as replays showed the ball crossed the line before Terry's intervention.
3. To maintain or defend a cause against opposition.to vindicate the rights of labor movement in developing countries
4. To provide justification for.The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police.
5. To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.
6. (obsolete) To liberate; to set free; to deliver.
7. (obsolete) To avenge; to punishA war to vindicate infidelity.

Related terms

• vindication
• vindicator
• vindictive