Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VIN'DI-CATE, 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. – Watts. Laugh where we must, be candid where we can; / But vindicate the ways of God to man. – Pope.
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. – Bacon. God is more powerful to exact subjection and to vindicate rebellion. – Pearson. [This latter use is entirely obsolete.]