verb
(transitive) To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.
(transitive) To justify by providing evidence.
(transitive) To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.
(transitive) To be proven reasonable, correct, or justified.
(transitive) To provide justification for.
(transitive) To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.
(transitive, obsolete) To liberate; to set free; to deliver.
(transitive, obsolete) To avenge; to punish.