The director said he had been vindicated by the experts' report. To uphold or justify by argument or evidence. To show that someone or something is right or justified.
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If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated, they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong.
There are 12 meanings listed in oed's entry for the verb vindicate, four of which are labelled obsolete.
Vindicate means to justify, prove, or reinforce an idea — or to absolve from guilt. Learn the meaning and correct usage of vindicate. See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. To clear someone from blame or suspicion;
To prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was…. To vindicate means to clear someone of blame, suspicion, or accusations, providing justification or proof for their actions or behavior. It can also refer to the act of defending or maintaining a right or cause. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on thanksgiving, you'll be vindicated when your younger brother fesses up.
To clear, as from an accusation or suspicion:
