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Vindicate, which has been used in English since at least the mid-16th century, comes from a form of the Latin verb vindicare, meaning “to set free, avenge, or lay claim to.”

VINDICATE definition: 1. to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. Learn more.

VINDICATE definition: to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like. See examples of vindicate used in a sentence.

Vindicate means to justify, prove, or reinforce an idea — or to absolve from guilt. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on Thanksgiving, you'll be vindicated when your younger brother fesses up.

vindicate somebody to prove that somebody is not guilty when they have been accused of doing something wrong or illegal; to prove that somebody is right about something. New evidence emerged, …

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).