vindicate

/ˈvɪndɪˌkeɪ̯t/

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin vindicātus, perfect passive participle of vindicō (“lay legal claim to something; set free; protect, avenge, punish”), from vim, accusative singular of vīs (“force, power”), + dīcō (“say; declare, state”). See avenge.

vindicate means to clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 78 out of 100.

vindicate is pronounced /ˈvɪndɪˌkeɪ̯t/.

Why “vindicate” is a great word

VINDICATE — [Verb] To clear of blame or suspicion, or to justify an action or belief by providing evidence. From the Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare ("to claim, avenge, or set free"), from vim, accusative of vis ("force"), + dicere ("to say or declare"). Unlike exonerate, which formally absolves within a legal frame, or avenge, which seeks retaliatory harm, to vindicate is to restore integrity through proof, whether of a person or a principle. It is the long-sought alibi materializing in a dated photograph, the scorned theory proven by a new instrument, the quiet sigh in a courtroom when the verdict is read—a testament that truth, though it may tarry, can be compelled to speak.

verb

To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.“to vindicate someone's honor”
To justify by providing evidence.“to vindicate a right, claim or title”
To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.“to vindicate the rights of labor movement in developing countries”
To be proven reasonable, correct, or justified.
To provide justification for.“The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police.”
To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.