vindicate

/ˌvɪndəˈkeɪt/

/ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/

Other forms: vindicated; vindicating; vindicates

Vindicate means to justify, prove, or reinforce an idea — or to absolve from guilt. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on Thanksgiving, you'll be vindicated when your younger brother fesses up.

Vindicate derives from the Latin vindicatus, which is the past tense of vindicare, meaning "lay claim to" or "avenge." When a physicist proves a theory that his colleagues derided, he vindicates it. When a lawyer clears her client's name in a trial, she vindicates him. Machiavelli argued that the results he got vindicated his tactics — in other words, the ends justified the means.

Definitions of vindicate

1. verb

   show to be right by providing justification or proof
   “vindicate a claim”

   synonyms: justify

   types:

   excuse, explain

   serve as a reason or cause or justification of

   legitimate

   show or affirm to be just and legitimate

   alibi

   exonerate by means of an alibi

   type of:

   maintain, uphold

   support against an opponent
2. verb

   clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof
   “You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel”

   type of:

   acquit, assoil, clear, discharge, exculpate, exonerate

   pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
3. verb

   maintain, uphold, or defend
   “vindicate the rights of the citizens”

   type of:

   defend, maintain

   state or assert