See vindicate in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II
verb
To free from a charge or imputation of guilt:
absolve, clear, exculpate, exonerate. (Law) acquit, purge. See lawTo support against arguments, attack, or criticism:
apologize, defend, justify, maintain. Idioms: speak up for, stand up for, stick up for. See supportTo show to be just, right, or valid:
excuse, justify, rationalize. Idiom: make a case for. See rightTo defend, maintain, or insist on the recognition of (one's rights, for example):
assert, claim. See attackTo exact revenge for or from:
avenge, pay back, pay off, redress, repay, requite. (Informal) fix. (Archaic) wreak. Idioms: even the score, get back at, get even with, pay back in kind (or in one's own coin), settle (or square) accounts, take an eye for an eye. See forgiveness
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