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

At that moment I felt relief and vindication.

From BBC

The findings were seen as vindication for those who found themselves facing down powerful officialdom, the state, and religious institutions - and often struggling to be believed.

From BBC

But the aggrieved American man now rides on a sense of vindication in celebrating Trump’s return to the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

There was elation and exhaustion, pride and vindication, but the overwhelming emotion that Roberts felt after a grueling five-game National League Division Series win over the San Diego Padres was “relief.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Sherlock actress calls the BBC's apology a "vindication" of her complaint and said she hoped others would now feel "more confident" that they would be believed.

From BBC

Related Words

• exoneration
• proof
• revenge