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Vindicate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vindicate

[ˈvɪndɪkeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

To clear (someone) of blame or suspicion; show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified.

Synonyms

absolve, exonerate, justify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vindicate

Use when someone is proven right or cleared of blame, often after being wrongly accused.

  • After years of investigation, the new evidence finally vindicated the scientist's controversial theory
justify

Applies when giving reasons or explanations to show that an action or decision is right or reasonable.

  • She had to justify her decision to work from home to her manager
exonerate

Used primarily in legal or formal settings when someone is officially cleared of a charge or accusation.

  • The DNA evidence exonerated the prisoner, proving he was not at the crime scene
absolve

Appropriate in religious or moral contexts when someone is formally released from guilt or punishment.

  • The priest absolved him of his sins after confession

Examples of usage

  • He was completely vindicated by the evidence presented in court.
  • The new evidence vindicated her claim of innocence.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To defend, maintain, or justify (a cause or claim) against opposition.

Synonyms

defend, support, validate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vindicate

When proving someone’s innocence or showing that something or someone was right, especially after being criticized or doubted.

  • The new evidence will vindicate him from all accusations.
  • She felt vindicated after the investigation proved her claims.
defend

When protecting someone or something from harm or attack, or when speaking or acting against criticism or attack.

  • He defended his friend during the argument.
  • The lawyer will defend her client in court.
support

When giving assistance, encouragement, or approval to someone or something.

  • They supported their friend through a difficult time.
  • The community came together to support the new initiative.
validate

When confirming that something is true or correct, often by providing proof or formal approval.

  • The scientist validated his theory through extensive research.
  • Her feelings were validated by her therapist.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to vindicate her decision to resign by pointing out the toxic work environment.
  • He wanted to vindicate his stance on environmental issues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, to vindicate means to clear someone of blame, often after a trial or investigation.
  • Vindication can occur through direct evidence proving innocence or through laws that protect individual rights.
  • In court cases, a successful vindication can lead to exoneration and sometimes compensation for wrongful accusations.

Philosophy

  • The concept of vindication is significant in discussions of moral and ethical reasoning, particularly in debates about justice.
  • Philosophers like John Rawls discuss the need for vindication of individual rights in a fair society.
  • Vindication is often tied to the ideas of moral justification, where actions are seen as right or wrong based on outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, characters often seek vindication after wrongful accusations, leading to dramatic reveals and moral lessons.
  • Songs and poetry sometimes explore themes of vindication, emphasizing the emotional struggle of proving oneself right.
  • High-profile cases, such as those in media and celebrity culture, often involve public figures seeking vindication from scandals.

Psychology

  • The need for vindication can be deeply rooted in the human psyche as a way to maintain self-esteem and social reputation.
  • Experiencing unjust blame can lead to feelings of anger or shame; vindication often results in emotional relief.
  • Psychological studies suggest that receiving support during vindication processes enhances feelings of justice and personal worth.

Origin of 'vindicate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vindicatus,' which means 'to claim or deliver.'
  • In old English, it was used to mean 'to avenge or set free,' connecting back to its root meaning of defending one's rights.
  • By the late 14th century, it began to take on the meaning of proving someone’s innocence or rightness.

The word 'vindicate' comes from the Latin word 'vindicare', which means 'to lay claim to'. In English, the word evolved to mean 'to clear someone of blame or suspicion'. The idea of vindication has historical roots in the legal system, where evidence is presented to prove innocence or justification. Over time, 'vindicate' has also come to be used more generally to defend or justify a cause or claim.

See also: vindication.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,166, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.