vindicate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to show to be right by providing justification or proof

   The defendants vindicated themselves at trial.

2. 2
   verb

   to maintain, uphold, or defend

   We should vindicate the rights of the citizens.

3. 3
   verb

   To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.

   to vindicate someone's honor

4. 4
   verb

   To justify by providing evidence.

   to vindicate a right, claim or title

5. 5
   verb

   To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.

   to vindicate the rights of labor movement in developing countries

6. 6
   verb

   To provide justification for.

   The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police.

7. 7
   verb

   To avenge; to punish.

   a war to vindicate infidelity

8. 8
   verb

   To be proven reasonable, correct, or justified.

Etymology

Borrowed 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”). See avenge.