verb

• (transitive) To clear of an accusation, suspicion or criticism.
• (transitive) To justify by providing evidence.
• (transitive) To maintain or defend (a cause) against opposition.
• (transitive) To provide justification for.
• (transitive) To lay claim to; to assert a right to; to claim.
• (transitive, obsolete) To liberate; to set free; to deliver.
• (transitive, obsolete) To avenge; to punish.