Literary notes about Vindicate (AI summary)
In literature, "vindicate" is employed as a powerful verb to express the act of justifying or defending one’s honor, reputation, or principles. Authors use it to depict characters who must prove their integrity against accusations or societal injustice, as when a figure passionately declares the need to vindicate a wronged honor ([1], [2], [3]). The term also embodies the broader effort to affirm rightful claims—whether to authority, lineage, or ideological stances—as seen in portrayals of sovereign legitimacy and moral fortitude ([4], [5], [6]). At times, "vindicate" even carries a note of retribution or moral correction, evoking images of restoring justice through personal or collective action ([7], [8], [9]). Overall, the word enriches the narrative by highlighting moments when characters or institutions must prove their worth in the face of criticism or dispute.
- I was furious with the injustice of the world, and made a desperate effort to vindicate her honour.
— from The Confession of a Fool by August Strindberg - I wound you, pardon me; but I must vindicate myself.
— from Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 404, June, 1849 by Various - He wished to vindicate himself in some way, to assert his manhood.
— from Dubliners by James Joyce - By much the greater part of what has been said, may appear to vindicate Catherine’s title to be called a good, as well as a great sovereign.
— from The Gallery of Portraits: with Memoirs. Volume 7 (of 7) by Arthur Thomas Malkin - Circumscribed by the character of his country and his age, the moralist must learn to vindicate his principles in that position.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 2 by Alexis de Tocqueville - It belongs to us to vindicate the honor of the human race, and to teach that assuming brother, moderation.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison - ἐδικαιώθην, pr. to make or render right or just; mid. to act with justice, R. 22.11; to avouch to be a good and true, to vindicate, Mat. 11.19.
— from A Greek-English Lexicon to the New Testament by William Greenfield - What Greek shall blame me, if I bid thee rise, And vindicate by oath th' ill-gotten prize? Rise if thou darest, before thy chariot stand, [pg 420]
— from The Iliad by Homer - And if He choose this very hour Can strike us dead, with ghastly fear, And vindicate His name and power."
— from Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan by Toru Dutt