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tr.v. jus·ti·fied, jus·ti·fy·ing, jus·ti·fies 1. To demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid: justified each budgetary expense as necessary; anger that is justified by the circumstances. 2. To free (a human) of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin. Used of God. 3. Law a. To demonstrate sufficient legal reason for (an action taken). b. To prove to be qualified as a bondsman. 4. To format (a paragraph, for example) so that the lines of text begin and end evenly at a straight margin. [Middle English justifien, from Old French justifier, from Late Latin iūstificāre, from Latin, to act justly toward : iūstus, just; see JUST1 + -ficāre, -fy.] |
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