vindicate: To clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof. 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. The director said he had been vindicated by the experts' report. to protect from harm or criticism by proving it's right or justified. His evidence vindicated him from false accusations. 3. to clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel. VINDICATE meaning: 1. to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. Learn more. Words like vindicate can often be tricky—its meaning can seem straightforward but can have many shades depending on the context. Today, I’ll walk you through what it really means, how to use it correctly, and share some handy tips to make sure you're never in doubt. ‘Vindicated’ means to prove that someone or something is correct, justified, or true — or to clear a person of blame, suspicion, or doubt. Origin and History: The word vindicated stems from the Latin vindicare, meaning “to lay claim to, avenge, or set free.” It derives from vindex, meaning “claimant” or “avenger.” Vindicate, which has been used in English since at least the mid-16th century, comes from a form of the Latin verb vindicare, meaning “to set free, avenge, or lay claim to.” When you vindicate someone, you show that they are innocent or correct. When you seek vindication, you're trying to prove or establish that innocence or correctness. Defending Justice: To prove that someone or something is right or justified after being doubted or accused. The lawyer's compelling argument helped vindicate the innocent defendant. Historical documents vindicate the controversial theory about the ancient civilization. .