'Vindicate' definitions:

Definition of 'vindicate'

verb

Show to be right by providing justification or proof; "vindicate a claim" [syn: justify, vindicate]

verb

Maintain, uphold, or defend; "vindicate the rights of the citizens"

verb

Clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof; "You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel"

From: GCIDE

Vindicate \Vin"di*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vindicated; p. pr. & vb. n. Vindicating.] [L. vindicatus, p. p. of vindicare to lay claim to, defend, avenge. See Vengeance.]
1. To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim. [R.] [1913 Webster]
Is thine alone the seed that strews the plain? The birds of heaven shall vindicate their grain. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. To maintain or defend with success; to prove to be valid; to assert convincingly; to sustain against assault; as, to vindicate a right, claim, or title. [1913 Webster]
3. To support or maintain as true or correct, against denial, censure, or objections; to defend; to justify. [1913 Webster]
When the respondent denies any proposition, the opponent must directly vindicate . . . that proposition. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster]
Laugh where we must, be candid where we can, But vindicate the ways of God to man. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
4. To maintain, as a law or a cause, by overthrowing enemies. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
5. To liberate; to set free; to deliver. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
I am confident he deserves much more That vindicates his country from a tyrant Than he that saves a citizen. --Massinger. [1913 Webster]
6. To avenge; to punish; as, a war to vindicate or punish infidelity. [Obs.] --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion. --Bp. Pearson. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To assert; maintain; claim. See Assert. [1913 Webster]