Skip to the word

Added 9 October 2026

vindicate

/ˈvɪndɪˌkeɪ̯t/ verb

In Latin: vindicō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about vindicate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Show to be right by providing justification or proof.
vindicate a claim
Maintain, uphold, or defend.
vindicate the rights of the citizens
Clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof.
You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel

Origin

Borrowed from Latin vindicātus, perfect passive participle of vindicō (“lay legal claim to something; set free; protect, avenge, punish”), from vim, accusative singular of vīs (“force, power”), + dīcō (“say; declare, state”). See avenge.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word