Definition of: vindicate

(vin′də·kāt) v.t. ·cat·ed, ·cat·ing
1. To clear of accusation, censure, suspicion, etc.
2. To support or maintain, as a right or claim, against denial, opposition, etc.
3. To serve to justify.
4. Rare To lay claim to.
5. Obs. To avenge; punish.
6. Obs. To set free; rescue. See synonyms under AVENGE, JUSTIFY. [<L vindicatus, pp. of vindicare avenge, claim]
—vin′di·ca′tor noun