Definition of "vindicate" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.

   • to vindicate someone's honor

2. (transitive) To justify by providing evidence.

   • to vindicate a right, claim or title
   • Also see: United National Congress, Trinidad and Tobago
   • Kamla Persad Bissessar: " We have been vindicated, but it is a victory for the people"

3. (transitive) To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.

   • to vindicate the rights of labor movement in developing countries

4. (transitive) To be proven reasonable, correct, or justified.

5. (transitive) To provide justification for.

   • The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police.

6. (transitive) To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.

7. (transitive, obsolete) To liberate; to set free; to deliver.

8. (transitive, obsolete) To avenge; to punish.

   • a war to vindicate infidelity