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justify

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The definition of justify is to provide an explanation or rationale for something to make it seem OK or to prove it is correct or OK.

(verb)

An example of justify is when you provide data to back up a recommendation you make.
An example of justify is when you make an excuse to make bad behavior seem oK.

See justify in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb justified, justifying

to show to be just, right, or in accord with reason; vindicate
to supply good or lawful grounds for; warrant
Christian Theol. to free from blame; declare guiltless; absolve
Printing to adjust (printed lines) by spacing so that the lines will be of the correct length

Origin: ME justifien < OFr justifier < LL (chiefly Ec.) justificare, to act justly toward, justify < L justus, just + -ficare < facere, to do

intransitive verb

Law
1. to show an adequate reason for something done
2. to prove qualified as surety
Printing to fit; be in line or flush: said as of printed lines

Related Forms:

justifier noun

See justify in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing, jus·ti·fies

verb, transitive

To demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid: justified each budgetary expense as necessary; anger that is justified by the circumstances.
To declare free of blame; absolve.
To free (a human) of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin. Used of God.
Law
a. To demonstrate sufficient legal reason for (an action taken).
b. To prove to be qualified as a bondsman.
Printing To adjust the spacing within (lines in a document, for example), so that the lines end evenly at a straight margin.