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 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.
Verb vindicate (third-person singular simple present vindicates, present participle vindicating, simple past and past participle vindicated) (transitive) To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.
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, vindicating him completely.
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).
to uphold, maintain, or defend (a cause, etc): to vindicate a claim Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin vindicāre, from vindex claimant ˈvindiˌcator n ˈvindiˌcatory adj
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).