(v): strengthen or make more firm
(v): show to be right by providing justification or proof
(v): support against an opponent
(v): defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
(v): argue or speak in defense of
(v): let off the hook
(v): stop blaming or grant forgiveness
(v): adjust the spaces between words
(v): alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard