<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right: The end does not always justify the means.</li><li>to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to justify his rudeness.</li><li>Theology: to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.</li><li>Printing: to make (a line of type) a desired length by spacing the words and letters, especially so that full lines in a column have even margins both on the left and on the right.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>Law: to show a satisfactory reason or excuse for something done.</li><li>to qualify as bail or surety.</li><li>Printing: (of a line of type) to fit exactly into a desired length.</li></ul>