vindicate

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

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”).

[edit] Verb

vindicate (third-person singular simple present vindicates, present participle vindicating, simple past and past participle vindicated)

To clear from an accusation, suspicion or criticism.

to vindicate someone's honor
To justify by providing evidence.

to vindicate a right, claim or title
To maintain or defend a cause against opposition.

to vindicate the rights of labor movement in developing countries
To provide justification for.

The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police.
To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.
(obsolete) To liberate; to set free; to deliver.
(obsolete) To avenge; to punish

A war to vindicate infidelity.