vindicate vs defend

vindicate and defend both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
vindicate	No	No	Yes	No
defend	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, defend is a hypernym of vindicate; that is, defend is a word with a broader meaning than vindicate:

Other hypernyms of vindicate include maintain.

vindicate (verb)	defend (verb)
show to be right by providing justification or proof	argue or speak in defense of
clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof	state or assert
maintain, uphold, or defend	be on the defensive; act against an attack
	protect against a challenge or attack
	protect or fight for as a champion
	fight against or resist strongly
	be the defense counsel for someone in a trial