vindicate
to clear from blame or prove justified
Root
- vindic: claim or avenge
Other words with the vindic root
- vindication: clearing from blame or proof of being right
- vindicator: defender who clears blame
- vindictive: desiring revenge
Vindic carries claim or defense. To vindicate is to defend the claim until blame clears.
The new evidence helped vindicate the scientist after years of doubt.
Vindicate is not ordinary praise. It usually arrives after doubt, accusation, or dismissal. Something proves that the person, claim, or decision deserved defense.
Keep it beside vindictive only as a contrast: vindicate clears; vindictive wants revenge.