to clear, as from an accusation or suspicion: to vindicate someone's honor. to afford justification for; justify. to uphold or justify by argument or evidence.

Understanding the Context

… 6 days ago · vindicate (third-person singular simple present vindicates, present participle vindicating, simple past and past participle vindicated) (transitive) To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on Thanksgiving, you'll be vindicated when your younger brother fesses up. to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated, they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong.

Key Insights

The director said he had been vindicated by the experts' report. He … There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb vindicate, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Learn the meaning and correct usage of "vindicate". Our guide provides clear grammar rules and real-world examples from authoritative sources to help you write with confidence.

Final Thoughts