vin·di·cate

(vĭn′dĭ-kāt′)

tr.v. vin·di·cat·ed, vin·di·cat·ing, vin·di·cates

1. To clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof: "Our society permits people to sue for libel so that they may vindicate their reputations" (Irving R. Kaufman).

2. To defend, maintain, or insist on the recognition of (one's rights, for example).

3. To demonstrate or prove the value or validity of; justify: The results of the experiment vindicated her optimism.

4. Obsolete To exact revenge for; avenge.

[Latin vindicāre, vindicāt-, from vindex, vindic-, surety, avenger; see deik- in Indo-European roots.]

vin′di·ca′tor n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Adj.

vindicated - freed from any question of guilt; "is absolved from all blame"; "was now clear of the charge of cowardice"; "his official honor is vindicated"

absolved, exculpated, exonerated, cleared, clear

clean-handed, guiltless, innocent - free from evil or guilt; "an innocent child"; "the principle that one is innocent until proved guilty"

Mentioned in

References in classic literature

Captain Bonneville vindicated the policy of his conduct.

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But I knew, and his genius and my judgment were vindicated when he made that magnificent hit with his 'Forge.'"

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But I could have easily vindicated humankind from the imputation of singularity upon the last article, if there had been any swine in that country (as unluckily for me there were not), which, although it may be a sweeter quadruped than a YAHOO, cannot, I humbly conceive, in justice, pretend to more cleanliness; and so his honour himself must have owned, if he had seen their filthy way of feeding, and their custom of wallowing and sleeping in the mud.

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Is it an objection that I have triumphantly defended myself against slander and vindicated my purity in a court of justice?

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It was not yet quite midwinter, and the turbulent Fifty Mile River vindicated his judgment.

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Sh e places herself under the protection of her nearest relative, until her character is vindicated and her position in your house is once more beyond a doubt.

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Malacanang said it felt vindicated in its decision to close Boracay to tourists for a six-month rehabilitation following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that a majority of Filipinos supported the move.

SWS survey on Boracay 'vindicates' Malacanang decision

On Friday, the former Finance Minister said that he and his party are vindicated by the cuts in the GST rates.

Sitharaman corners Chidambaram for criticisng GST

A MAN told yesterday how he feels "vindicated" after the uncle he "adored" was jailed for abusing him.

NEPHEW OF PERVERT UNCLE 'VINDICATED'

MICK McCarthy believes he will "never be vindicated" in some people's eyes after his side notched their third win in four matches.

McCarthy shrugs off long-term criticism

And, with so many new electors casting their vote,council leader Tony McDermott said the Government's decision to use the North West as a postal voting guinea pig had been vindicated.

ELECTIONS 2004: Halton

Lancashire were so convinced of the dismissal they barely consulted umpire Whitehead, who signalled a wide after carefully considering the decision and television pictures later vindicated his call.

Gloucestershire rally to under-fire umpire; CRICKET