vindicate
Cross references: 1. exculpate 2. maintain vin.di.cate \'vin-d*-.ka-t\ \-.ka-t-*r\ vt [L vindicatus, pp. of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, fr. vin]dic-, vindex claimant, avenger obs 1: to set free : DELIVER 2: AVENGE 3a: EXONERATE, ABSOLVE 3b1: CONFIRM, SUBSTANTIATE 3b2: to provide justification or defense for : JUSTIFY 3c: to protect from attack or encroachment : DEFEND 4: to maintain a right to : ASSERT - vin.di.ca.tor n