Main Entry: vin·di·cate
Pronunciation: 'vin-d&-"kAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger
1 obsolete : to set free : DELIVER
2 : AVENGE
3 a : to free from allegation or blame b (1) : CONFIRM, SUBSTANTIATE (2) : to provide justification or defense for : JUSTIFY c : to protect from attack or encroachment : DEFEND
4 : to maintain a right to
synonym see EXCULPATE, MAINTAIN