vindicated

Vindicated is the past participle and a predicative adjective form of the verb vindicate. It describes someone who has been cleared of blame or doubt, or a claim or position that has been proven right or justified. In legal and formal writing, being vindicated often means that evidence has sufficed to exonerate a person or to uphold a theory or assertion against challenges. More broadly, to vindicate a claim is to defend it against criticism or to restore credibility.

Etymology: Vindicated derives from the Latin vindicare, meaning to claim, defend, or avenge, and entered English via Old French and later forms of the verb vindicate. The related noun vindication denotes the act or result of vindicating.

Usage: The term can apply to individuals, theories, reputations, or rights. Examples: “The defendant was vindicated by the acquittal,” “New data vindicated the original hypothesis.” In common speech, vindication can be emotional relief as much as factual clarification.

Cultural note: Vindicated has appeared as a title in music and media, reflecting the sense of proving oneself right or clearing one’s name. For instance, Dashboard Confessional released a song titled “Vindicated” that gained broad attention after its use in popular media.

See also: Vindication, Exoneration, Acquittal, Exculpation, Clearance.