"justify" Definition

Definitions for the word "justify" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. a.
To prove or show to be just; to vindicate; to maintain or defend as conformable to law, right, justice, propriety, or duty.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. a.
To pronounce free from guilt or blame; to declare or prove to have done that which is just, right, proper, etc.; to absolve; to exonerate; to clear.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. a.
To treat as if righteous and just; to pardon; to exculpate; to absolve.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. a.
To prove; to ratify; to confirm.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. a.
To make even or true, as lines of type, by proper spacing; to adjust, as type. See Justification, 4.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
To form an even surface or true line with something else; to fit exactly.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
To take oath to the ownership of property sufficient to qualify one's self as bail or surety.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v.
(-ies, -ied) 1 show the justice or correctness of (a person, act, assertion, etc.). 2 (esp. In passive) cite or constitute adequate grounds for (conduct, a claim, etc.); vindicate. 3 (as justified adj.) Just, right (justified in assuming). 4 printing adjust (a line of type) to give even margins. justification n. Justificatory adj.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "justify" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "justify" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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