Dictionary Definition
vindicate
Verb
1 show to be right by providing justification or
proof; "vindicate a claim" [syn: justify]
2 maintain, uphold, or defend; "vindicate the
rights of the citizens"
3 clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt
with supporting proof; "You must vindicate yourself and fight this
libel"
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Etymology
From Latin vindicare < vis + dicere.Verb
- 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.
- To liberate; to set free; to deliver.
- To avenge; to
punish
- A war to vindicate infidelity.
Translations
to clear from an accusation, suspicion or
criticism
- Finnish: puhdistaa
to justify by providing evidence
- Finnish: perustella
to maintain or defend a cause against opposition
- Finnish: puolustaa
to provide justification
- Finnish: osoittaa oikea
to claim
- Finnish: vaatia
Synonyms, Antonyms and Related Words
absolve, account for, acquit, advocate, amnesty, argue, assert, bear out, claim, clear, confute, contend, cry sour grapes,
decontaminate,
defend, destigmatize, discharge, dismiss, dispense from, disprove, do justice to,
exculpate, excuse, exempt, exempt from, exonerate, explain, forgive, free, give absolution, grant
amnesty to, grant immunity, grant remission, guard, justify, let go, let off,
nonpros, pardon, plead for, protect, prove, purge, quash the charge, rationalize, redress, refute, rehabilitate, reinstate, release, remit, restore, revenge, second, set free, shield, shrive, spiteful, support, uphold, warrant, whitewash, withdraw the
charge