'vindication' originates from Latin, specifically the Late Latin word 'vindicatio', from the verb 'vindicare' meaning 'to claim, to avenge, to set free' (related to 'vindex', 'claimant' or 'protector').

'vindication' changed from Late Latin 'vindicatio' into Old French/Medieval Latin forms and was adopted into Middle English as 'vindikacioun' / 'vindication', eventually becoming the modern English word 'vindication'.

Initially it meant 'a claim or act of asserting a right (or avenging/claiming)', but over time it evolved to focus on 'proof or justification' and 'the act of clearing from blame' — the modern senses of 'vindication' and 'exoneration'.