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. Dictionary entry overview: What does vindicate mean? • VINDICATE (verb) The verb VINDICATE has 3 senses: 1. show to be right by providing justification or proof 2. maintain, uphold, or defend 3. clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof Familiarity information: VINDICATE used as a verb is uncommon. 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 Historical documents vindicate the controversial theory about the ancient civilization. vindicate: To clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof. VINDICATE meaning: 1. to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. Learn more. 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.” 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. Vindicate means to clear from blame or suspicion, or to justify, while indicate means to point out or show. Although they sound similar, they have very different meanings. 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. 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.