justify

/ˌdʒʌstəˈfaɪ/

/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/

Other forms: justified; justifies; justifying

To justify is to make excuses for one's actions, like the dieter who has to justify the few tiny pieces of chocolate she's sneaked in between salads.

Anyone who has ever made excuses for his or her actions knows the meaning of justify, like the bank robber who justifies his latest heist by claiming he needs the bank's money to support his charitable foundation. He might think he's got a good reason for holding up the bank, but he's going to have a hard time convincing the bank's owner of his reason, or justification. To justify a line of text is to space it so that it lines up with the margin.

Definitions of justify

1. verb

   show to be right by providing justification or proof
   synonyms: vindicate

   types:

   excuse, explain

   serve as a reason or cause or justification of

   legitimate

   show or affirm to be just and legitimate

   alibi

   exonerate by means of an alibi

   type of:

   maintain, uphold

   support against an opponent
2. verb

   show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
   “The end justifies the means”

   synonyms: warrant

   type of:

   confirm, reassert

   strengthen or make more firm
3. verb

   defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
   synonyms: apologise, apologize, excuse, rationalise, rationalize

   types:

   color, colour, gloss

   give a deceptive explanation or excuse for

   plead

   offer as an excuse or plea

   extenuate, mitigate, palliate

   lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

   type of:

   defend, fend for, support

   argue or speak in defense of
4. verb

   let off the hook
   synonyms: absolve, free

   types:

   excuse, exempt, let off, relieve

   grant exemption or release to

   wash one's hands

   to absolve oneself of responsibility or future blame

   frank

   exempt by means of an official pass or letter, as from customs or other checks

   type of:

   forgive

   stop blaming or grant forgiveness
5. verb

   adjust the spaces between words
   “justify the margins”

   type of:

   adjust, correct, set

   alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard