vindicate

To vindicate is defined as to clear someone of criticism or blame.

(verb)

Providing evidence in a trial that proves a suspect’s innocence is an example of vindicate.

Vindicate is defined as to justify an opinion or belief.

(verb)

A politician who lays out all the reasons he was pushing for a controversial policy is an example of vindicate.

See vindicate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

to clear from criticism, blame, guilt, suspicion, etc.; uphold by evidence or argument
to defend or maintain (a cause, claim, etc.) against opposition
to serve as justification for; justify: a success which vindicated their belief in him
to lay claim to or establish possession of (something for oneself or another)
Obsolete
1. to avenge
2. to punish

Origin: < L vindicatus, pp. of vindicare, to claim, avenge < ? vim, force (see vim) + dicere, to say: see diction

Related Forms:

See vindicate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb vin·di·cat·ed, vin·di·cat·ing, vin·di·cates

To clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof: “Our society permits people to sue for libel so that they may vindicate their reputations” (Irving R. Kaufman).
To provide justification or support for: vindicate one's claim.
To justify or prove the worth of, especially in light of later developments.
To defend, maintain, or insist on the recognition of (one's rights, for example).
To exact revenge for; avenge.

Origin:

Origin: Latin vindicāre, vindicāt-

Origin: , from vindex, vindic-, surety, avenger; see deik- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: