jus·ti·fy 
/ˈʤʌstəˌfaɪ/ verb
jus·ti·fies; jus·ti·fied; jus·ti·fy·ing /ˈʤʌstəˌfaɪ/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to provide or be a good reason for (something) : to prove or show (something) to be just, right, or reasonable
▪ He tried to justify his behavior by saying that he was being pressured unfairly by his boss. ▪ The fact that we are at war does not justify treating innocent people as criminals. ▪ It's hard to justify the cost of a new car right now. = It's hard to justify spending money on a new car right now. — see also the end justifies the means at 1end 2 : to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone)
▪ Why should I have to justify myself [=to provide an explanation for my actions] when it was their fault? 3 technical : to position (text) so that the edges form a straight line
▪ He tried to justify his behavior by saying that he was being pressured unfairly by his boss. ▪ The fact that we are at war does not justify treating innocent people as criminals. ▪ It's hard to justify the cost of a new car right now. = It's hard to justify spending money on a new car right now. — see also the end justifies the means at 1end
▪ Why should I have to justify myself [=to provide an explanation for my actions] when it was their fault?
— jus·ti·fi·able /ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbəl/ adjective [more justifiable; most justifiable]
▪ They felt justifiable pride in their son. ▪ justifiable expenses
/ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbəl/ adjective [more justifiable; most justifiable] ▪ They felt justifiable pride in their son. ▪ justifiable expenses
— jus·ti·fi·ably /ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbli/ adverb
▪ were justifiably proud
/ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbli/ adverb ▪ were justifiably proud
— justified adjective not used before a noun [more justified; most justified]
▪ She was (perfectly/fully) justified in complaining to her boss. [=she had a good reason for complaining to her boss]
▪ She was (perfectly/fully) justified in complaining to her boss. [=she had a good reason for complaining to her boss]
