Vindicate

verb

1. To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.

   "to vindicate someone's honor"

2. To justify by providing evidence.

   "to vindicate a right, claim or title"

3. To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.

   "to vindicate the rights of labor movement in developing countries"

4. To provide justification for.

   "The violent history of the suspect vindicated the use of force by the police."

5. To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.