vin·di·cate   Audio Help  [vin-di-keyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing.
1. to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like: to vindicate someone’s honor.
2. to afford justification for; justify: Subsequent events vindicated his policy.
3. to uphold or justify by argument or evidence: to vindicate a claim.
4. to assert, maintain, or defend (a right, cause, etc.) against opposition.
5. to claim for oneself or another.
6. Roman and Civil Law. to regain possession, under claim of title of property through legal procedure, or to assert one’s right to possession.
7. to get revenge for; avenge.
8. Obsolete. to deliver from; liberate.
9. Obsolete. to punish.
[Origin: 1525–35; < L vindicatus (ptp. of vindicare to lay legal claim to (property), to free (someone) from servitude (by claiming him as free), to protect, avenge, punish), equiv. to vindic- (s. of vindex claimant, protector, avenger) + -atus -ate1]
 
Used in a sentence: Maven Erica vindicated my crazypants actions when she found the lure of the Target completely, utterly irresistible.