Vin'di-cāte, v. t.
[imp. & p. p. VINDICATED; p. pr. & vb. n. VINDICATING.] [Lat. vindicare, vindicatum, It. vindicare, Sp. & Pg. vindicar, Pr. vendicar, O. Fr. vendiquer.]
Sense 1. To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim; to arrogate. [Rare.]
Is thine alone the seed that strews the plain? The birds of heaven shall vindicate their grain. Pope.
Sense 2. To defend with success; to prove to be just or valid; to maintain; to assert; as, to vindicate a claim or title.
Sense 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 vindicate it. Watts.
Laugh where we must, be candid where we can, But vindicate the ways of God to man. Pope.
Sense 4. To maintain, as a law, or a cause, by overthrowing enemies.
Sense 5. To avenge; to punish; as, a war to vindicate or punish infidelity. [Obs.] Bacon.
God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion. Pearson.
Sense 6. To liberate; to set free; to deliver. [Obs.]
I am confident he deserves much more That vindicates his country from a tyrant Than he that saves a citizen. Massinger.
Synonyms—To assert; maintain; claim. See ASSERT.