justify

Universal Words verb (justifies, justifying, justified, justified) 1 to show that sb/sth is right or reasonable: [V-ing] How can they justify paying such huge salaries? * [VN] Her success had justified the faith her teachers had put in her. [also VN-ing] 2 ~ sth (to sb) to give an explanation or excuse for sth or for doing sth: [VN] The Prime Minister has been asked to justify the decision to Parliament. * You don't need to justify yourself to me. [also V-ing, VN-ing] 3 [VN] (technical) to arrange lines of printed text so that one or both edges are straight IDIOMS see ENDn.