vindicate

verb8

1. •
   To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.
2. •
   To justify by providing evidence.

   • Also see: United National Congress, Trinidad and Tobago
   • Kamla Persad Bissessar: " We have been vindicated, but it is a victory for the people"
3. •
   To be proven reasonable, correct, or justified.
4. •
   To provide justification for.

   • The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police.
5. •
   To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.

   • When Trump's election pulled back the curtain on the rise of the far-right in America, I'd naively assumed the Jewish left would be vindicated. — 2019
6. •
   To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.
7. •
   (no longer used) To avenge; to punish.
8. •
   (no longer used) To liberate; to set free; to deliver.