Vin·di·cate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vindicated p. pr. & vb. n. Vindicating.]
 1. To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.  [R.]
 Is thine alone the seed that strews the plain?
 The birds of heaven shall vindicate their grain.   --Pope.
 2. To maintain or defend with success; to prove to be valid; to assert convincingly; to sustain against assault; as, to vindicate a right, claim, or title.
 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 directly vindicate . . . that proposition.   --I. Watts.
 Laugh where we must, be candid where we can,
 But vindicate the ways of God to man.   --Pope.
 4. To maintain, as a law or a cause, by overthrowing enemies.
 5. 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.
 6. To avenge; to punish; as, a war to vindicate or punish infidelity.  [Obs.]
    God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion.   --Bp. Pearson.
 Syn: -- To assert; maintain; claim.  See Assert.

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 vindicated
      adj : freed from any question of guilt; "is absolved from all
            blame"; "was now clear of the charge of cowardice";
            "his official honor is vindicated" [syn: absolved, clear,
             cleared, exculpated, exonerated]