Vindicate

Definition of Vindicate

Vin´di`cate

v. t.	1.	To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim. [imp. & p. p. Vindicated ; p. pr. & vb. n. Vindicating.] Is thine alone the seed that strews the plain? The birds of heaven shall vindicate their grain. - Pope.
	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.
	3.	To support or maintain as true or correct, against denial, censure, or objections; to defend; to justify. When the respondent denies any proposition, the opponent must directly vindicate . . . that proposition. - I. Watts. Laugh where we must, be candid where we can, But vindicate the ways of God to man. - Pope.
	4.	To maintain, as a law or a cause, by overthrowing enemies.
	5.	To liberate; to set free; to deliver. I am confident he deserves much more That vindicates his country from a tyrant Than he that saves a citizen. - Massinger.
	6.	To avenge; to punish; as, a war to vindicate or punish infidelity. God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion. - Bp. Pearson.

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