ˈvindəˌkāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, set free, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, protector, avenger, from a prehistoric compound whose first constituent is of unknown origin and whose second constituent is the same as Latin -dic-, -dex (from dicere to determine, say) — more at diction
1. obsolete : to set free : deliver
vindicate ourselves into perfect liberty — Edmund Burke
2. : to take vengeance for : avenge
vindicate the laws which have been breached — W.E.Jackson b. 1919
3.
a. : to free from any question of error, dishonor, guilt, or negligence : exonerate , absolve
the … politicians were vindicated on all counts — R.H.Rovere
vindicate his official honor — Dumas Malone
b.
(1) : to show to be true, reasonable, just, or acceptable against denial, disbelief, or criticism : prove , confirm , substantiate
many of his insights have been vindicated — G.C.Sellery
efforts … to vindicate their position as gentlefolk — Edmund Wilson
the right … has been vindicated by the Supreme Court — R.J.Slavin
(2) : to provide justification or defense for : justify
his negative attitude vindicates resentment
c. : to protect from attack or encroachment : preserve , defend
vindicate the glory of his name against all competition — John Milton
4. : to lay claim to : maintain a right to : assert
no one can vindicate to himself … exclusive prerogative — U.S. Code
vindicate their right to a place in the university — Walter Moberly
Synonyms: see exculpate , maintain