vindicate
vindicate Lexical Profile
vindicate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To clear someone of blame, suspicion, or doubt through evidence or proof.
"New forensic evidence helped vindicate the falsely accused defendant after years of investigation."
To show or prove a belief, claim, or action to be right, reasonable, or justified.
"The strong quarterly earnings helped vindicate the board's decision to invest in renewable energy."
To maintain, uphold, or defend a right, claim, or cause against opposition (formal).
"The organization uses constitutional litigation to vindicate the civil rights of marginalized citizens."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'vindicate' (to clear of blame or prove right) with 'vindictive' (having a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge), even though both derive from the same Latin root.
• Rhymes for vindicate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'vindicare' ('to claim, set free, or avenge'), from 'vindex' ('claimant, defender, or avenger').