Definitions for: Vindicate


[v] show to be right by providing justification or prove; "vindicate a claim"
[v] clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof; "You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel"
[v] maintain uphold, or defend; "vindicate the rights of the citizens"



Webster (1913) Definition: Vin"di*cate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vindicated; p.
pr. & vb. n. Vindicating.] [L. vindicatus, p. p. of
vindicare to lay claim to, defend, avenge. See Vengeance.]
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. To maintain, as a law or a cause, by overthrowing enemies.
--Milton.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Synonyms: justify

See Also: acquit, assoil, clear, defend, discharge, exculpate, excuse, exonerate, explain, legitimate, maintain, uphold

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