VINDICATE

transitive verb (-cated; -cating) Etymology: Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger Date: circa 1571 to set free ; deliver , avenge , 3. to free from allegation or blame, b. confirm , substantiate , to provide justification or defense for ; justify , to protect from attack or encroachment ; defend , to maintain a right to, see: exculpate vindicator noun