justify

[ juhs-tuh-fahy ]
/ ˈdʒʌs təˌfaɪ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR justify ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing.

to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right: The end does not always justify the means.
to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to justify his rudeness.
Theology. to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.
Printing.
  1. to make (a line of type) a desired length by spacing the words and letters, especially so that full lines in a column have even margins both on the left and on the right.
  2. to level and square (a strike).

verb (used without object), jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing.

Law.
  1. to show a satisfactory reason or excuse for something done.
  2. to qualify as bail or surety.
Printing. (of a line of type) to fit exactly into a desired length.

Origin of justify

1250–1300; Middle English justifien < Old French justifier < Late Latin jūstificāre, equivalent to Latin jūsti- (combining form of jūstus just1) + -ficāre -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM justify

Words nearby justify

justifiable homicide, justification, justification by grace, through faith, justification by works, justificatory, justify, justify the ways of god to men, to, justin, justin martyr, justine, justinian code

Words related to justify

rationalize, vindicate, uphold, defend, support, advocate, confirm, favor, countenance, maintain, sustain, validate, condone, warrant, explain, contend, claim, square, alibi, palliate

Example sentences from the Web for justify

British Dictionary definitions for justify

justify
/ (ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (mainly tr)

Derived forms of justify

justifier, noun

Word Origin for justify

C14: from Old French justifier, from Latin justificāre, from jūstus just + facere to make