vindication

[ vin-di-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of vindicating.
2. the state of being vindicated.
3. defense; excuse; justification:

   Poverty was a vindication for his thievery.

4. something that vindicates:

   Subsequent events were her vindication.

vindication

/ ˌvɪndɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of vindicating or the condition of being vindicated
2. a means of exoneration from an accusation
3. a fact, evidence, circumstance, etc, that serves to vindicate a theory or claim

Other Words From

• nonvin·di·cation noun
• revin·di·cation noun
• self-vindi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vindication¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin vindicātiōn-, stem of vindicātiō “defense, punishment, vengeance”; equivalent to vindicate + -ion

Example Sentences

“It was mostly a vindication of the fact that the data does have value to these bigger players,” Primozic said in an interview.

From Washington Post

Since the vote, Pai has pointed to increased broadband availability as vindication.

From Fortune

After Washington recalled him from a diplomatic mission to revolutionary France, Monroe felt impelled to produce a lengthy vindication of his performance.

From Washington Post

So when Noémi triumphs in the end, we’re witnessing the vindication of the colonized over the colonizer.

From Vox

To claim the WHA’s resolution a vindication of Australia’s call is nothing but a joke.

From Fortune

Opponents of Muslims and immigrants across the continent are claiming vindication in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attack.

From The Daily Beast

We look forward to proving their innocence and to their complete vindication before a trial court.

From The Daily Beast

I personally took that as a vindication of the care I had taken in making sure I had solid, independent sourcing.

From The Daily Beast

The result is not only vindication, but also the self-serving sense that only you can save the republic.

From The Daily Beast

His mother was beaming and seemed to take the acquittal as a vindication.

From The Daily Beast

I did not send a copy of my vindication to Port Eliot, nor indeed to any person except to yourself.

From Project Gutenberg

Refreshed and revived by Vicary's timely vindication of law and order, proceeded to business.

From Project Gutenberg

For an express discussion and vindication of this principle, see the little volume entitled "Utilitarianism."

From Project Gutenberg

The whole Church can take pride in the vindication of this great principle which he had so successfully wrought out.

From Project Gutenberg

The Vita then comes to us with a certain unassailable authority, and is besides a work of piety, of love, of vindication.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• exoneration
• proof
• revenge