VIN'DICATE, v.t. [L. vindico.] 1. To defend; to justify; to support or maintain as true or correct, against denial, censure or objections.When the respondent denies any proposition, the opponent must vindicate it.Laugh where we must, be candid where we can; but vindicate the ways of God to man.2. To assert; to defend with success; to maintain; to prove to be just or valid; as, to vindicate a claim or title.3. To defend with arms, or otherwise; as, to vindicate our rights.4. to avenge; to punish; as a war to vindicate or punish infidelity.God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion.[This latter use is entirely obsolete.]
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