vindic
Latinto claim, vindicate, avenge
About This Root
From Latin vindicāre, which in old Roman law meant 'to lay legal claim to something' — to formally assert that a person or thing was rightfully yours, and by extension to defend that claim and punish whoever violated it. From this single legal act the family split two ways: a 'clearing' branch (vindicate, vindication — to prove someone innocent or right) and a 'revenge' branch (vindictive, vendetta, avenge, vengeful). The shared idea is setting a wrong right.
Associated Words · 6
vindicate
To clear someone of blame; to justify or prove the correctness of something
avenge
To take revenge for a wrong done to oneself or another
vindication
The act of clearing someone of blame; proof that someone was right or justified
vengeful
Strongly desiring or seeking revenge
vindictive
Desiring revenge; spiteful
vendetta
A bitter, prolonged feud or grudge seeking revenge