Main Entry: vin·di·cate

Pronunciation: \ˈvin-də-ˌkāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): vin·di·cat·ed; vin·di·cat·ing

Etymology: Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger

Date: circa 1571

1 obsolete : to set free : deliver
2 : avenge
3 a : to free from allegation or blame b (1) : confirm, substantiate (2) : to provide justification or defense for : justify c : to protect from attack or encroachment : defend
4 : to maintain a right to

synonyms see exculpate, maintain

— vin·di·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun