vindicate Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb show to be right by providing justification or proof
justify.
- vindicate a claim
verb maintain, uphold, or defend
- vindicate the rights of the citizens
verb clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof
- You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel

L. vindicatus, p. p. of vindicare to lay claim to, defend, avenge. See Vengeance.

imperfect & past participle Vindicated ; present participle & verbal noun Vindicating

To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim. R.
Is thine alone the seed that strews the plain? The birds of heaven shall vindicate their grain. Pope.
To maintain or defend with success; to prove to be valid; to assert convincingly; to sustain against assault; as, to vindicate a right, claim, or title.
To support or maintain as true or correct, against denial, censure, or objections; to defend; to justify.
When the respondent denies any proposition, the opponent must directly vindicate . . . that proposition. I. Watts.

Laugh where we must, be candid where we can, But vindicate the ways of God to man. Pope.
To maintain, as a law or a cause, by overthrowing enemies. Milton.
To liberate; to set free; to deliver. Obs.
I am confident he deserves much more That vindicates his country from a tyrant Than he that saves a citizen. Massinger.
To avenge; to punish; as, a war to vindicate or punish infidelity. Obs. Bacon.
God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion. Bp. Pearson.
Syn. -- To assert; maintain; claim. See Assert.