vindicate
UK: ˈvɪn.dɪ.keɪt | US: ˈvɪn.də.keɪt
vt. 1. To clear someone of blame or suspicion.
vt. 2. To prove something to be correct or justified.
vt. 3. (Archaic) To avenge or defend a right.
The word "vindicate" originates from Latin vindicare, combining vis (force) and dicare (to proclaim). Historically, it referred to claiming ownership or justice by force (e.g., avenging a wrong). Over time, it evolved to emphasize proving innocence or justification through evidence, retaining the core idea of "forceful assertion." The suffix -ate marks it as a verb.
The new evidence vindicated the wrongly accused man.
Her success vindicated her unconventional approach.
The investigation vindicated his claims of innocence.
History has vindicated the scientist’s controversial theory.
He sought to vindicate his family’s honor.