vindication Hear it!

vindication Definition

vin·di·ca·tion (vin′də kā′s̸hən)

noun

  1. a vindicating or being vindicated
  2. a fact or circumstance that vindicates, or justifies

Etymology: LME vyndycacion < L vindicatio, a claiming < vindicare: see vindicate

vindication Synonyms

vindication

n.

defense, acquittal, clearance, justification, proof, explanation, exoneration, exculpation, support, absolution, pardon.

Antonyms blame*, charge*, conviction.

vindication Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • right: His vindication of the rights of property depended on the belief that men had " mixed their labor " with it.
  • policy: These pieces, by more than 80 artists, are a vindication of this policy.
  • decision: It sees the latest move as further vindication of that decision.
  • truth: They are vindications of the truth of our blessed faith.
  • war: The capture of Saddam Hussein in December was hailed as vindication of the war - but that didn't draw a line either.
  • claim: The Edwardians is not a vindication of the more exaggerated claims made for oral history written from personal reminiscence.

Converse of object

  • provide: Judging from some of the email we've had, the book provides vindication, especially for people with really messy desks.
  • find: In two important respects it was nevertheless Gregory's vision which found vindication by subsequent history.
  • see: Ultimately conclusions such as the above may see vindication or obtain plausibility through later discoveries.
  • have: The second is intertextual: Hebrews adopts Deuteronomy sensitively, and Deuteronomy has vindication in view.
  • want: They want vindication, total victory - not compromise.
  • claim: They would have been sacrificial lambs and found not guilty anyway, allowing the real culprits to claim vindication for the Yard's actions.

Adjective modifier

  • total: A statement issued on behalf of the couple said the judgment was a " total vindication " of their position.
  • complete: This miracle was naturally regarded by the Pope as a complete vindication, and the saint was sent home to England in honor.
  • further: It sees the latest move as further vindication of that decision.
  • own: How much weight people will attach to his own vindication remains to be seen.
  • divine: But it is Christ's resurrection, the divine vindication of his total obedience to his priestly vocation, which carries liberating power.
  • real: A lawyer for the parents said the ruling was a " real vindication " for those families who challenged the school board.