vindication

American  

[vin-di-key-shuhn] / ˌvɪn dɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

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.

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vindication British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonvindication noun
• revindication noun
• self-vindication noun

Etymology

Origin of vindication

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin vindicātiōn-, stem of vindicātiō “defense, punishment, vengeance”; equivalent to vindicate + -ion

Example Sentences

The factory can be seen as vindication of Spain's energy model, which prioritises renewable sources.

From BBC

"Today we have a huge sense of relief and achievement reflecting years of tireless effort, but also a sense of vindication for their determination that only a public inquiry would do," he said.

From BBC

Perhaps it is a feeling of vindication knowing that virtually everyone, including myself, know someone whose life was unnecessarily cut short by incompetent, profit-driven, inadequate care.

From Salon

The victory was at least partial vindication after years in which Gehry struggled to earn many significant commissions, particularly for civic and cultural projects, in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

This column in March related how the duo had won initial vindication, and were rewarded with senior jobs advising Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on IRS reform.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• exoneration
• proof
• revenge