vindication
vin-dih-KAY-shun
/ˌvɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/
The action of clearing someone of blame or suspicion; proof that someone or something is right, reasonable, or justified.
Vindication usually comes from an external source (like a court or a later event) that proves you were right all along.
The story behind the word. From 'vindex', meaning 'protector' or 'avenger'. In Roman law, 'vindicatio' was a legal action to claim something that was yours. To be vindicated is to have your 'claim' to the truth upheld.
Word relationships
- exoneration: Exoneration is specifically about being cleared of a crime; vindication is broader and can mean being proven right in an opinion.
- condemnation: The expression of very strong disapproval; censure.
Commonly confused with
- justification: Justification is your attempt to prove you're right; vindication is the world finally agreeing that you are.
Word family
- vindicate (verb): To clear of blame or to prove right.
- vindicatory (adjective): Serving to vindicate.
Collocations
- total vindication
- seek vindication
- final vindication
Example sentences
- "The discovery of the new particle was a complete vindication of her controversial theory." A scientist whose theory was finally proven true after years of mockery.
- "'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' argued that women are not naturally inferior to men." From Mary Wollstonecraft's famous title.
Memory hook
Vindication sounds like 'Win-dication'—you won the argument and proved you were right. Proven right in the end.
When not to use
Don't use 'vindication' if you are just making an argument; use it when the argument has been won or the truth has come out.
Fun facts
- The word 'vindictive' (seeking revenge) comes from the same root, showing the darker side of 'claiming what is yours'.
Related words
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