# vindicate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈvɪn.dɪˌkeɪt/ · frequency rank #50,889

## Definitions
1. To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.
2. To justify by providing evidence.
3. To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.
4. To be proven reasonable, correct, or justified.
5. To provide justification for.
6. To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.
7. To liberate; to set free; to deliver.
8. To avenge; to punish.

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/vindicate