justify meaning and definition

JUSTIFY verb

Definition of justify (verb)

1. show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
   • "The emergency does not warrant all of us buying guns"; "The end justifies the means"
   • synonyms: warrant
2. show to be right by providing justification or proof
   • "vindicate a claim"
   • synonyms: vindicate
3. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
   • "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success"
   • synonyms: apologise, apologize, excuse, rationalise, rationalize
4. let off the hook
   • "I absolve you from this responsibility"
   • synonyms: absolve, free
   • antonym: blame
5. adjust the spaces between words
   • "justify the margins"