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
THIS PSAT VOCABULARY QUIZ IS PERFECT PRACTICE FOR THE REAL TEST
In our third teacher-created PSAT practice test there are new and unique vocabulary terms you may have never heard of! Can you guess what they mean?
Question 1 of 10
seclusion
Origin of justify
OTHER WORDS FROM justify
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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