justify
[ juhs-tuh-fahy ]
/ ˈdʒʌs təˌfaɪ /
verb (used with object), jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing.
to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right: The end does not always justify the means.
to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to justify his rudeness.
Theology. to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.
Printing.
- to make (a line of type) a desired length by spacing the words and letters, especially so that full lines in a column have even margins both on the left and on the right.
- to level and square (a strike).
verb (used without object), jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing.
Law.
- to show a satisfactory reason or excuse for something done.
- to qualify as bail or surety.
Printing. (of a line of type) to fit exactly into a desired length.
QUIZZES
LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!
Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
Origin of justify
OTHER WORDS FROM justify
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for justify
British Dictionary definitions for justify
justify
/ (ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied (mainly tr)
Derived forms of justify
justifier, nounWord Origin for justify
C14: from Old French justifier, from Latin justificāre, from jūstus just + facere to make
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012