rechtfertigen
Translation
to justify, to warrant
Examples
Er versucht, sein Handeln zu rechtfertigen.
He is trying to justify his actions.
Der Zweck rechtfertigt nicht die Mittel.
The end does not justify the means.
Sie rechtfertigte sich vor dem Chef.
She justified herself to the boss.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to justify sth. The end justifies the means.
((sich)) ((vor sb.)) to justify oneself to sb. She justified herself to the boss.
((sth.)) ((mit sth.)) to justify sth. with sth. He justified his absence with an illness.
Similar Words
Synonyms: begründen, verteidigen; Antonyms: anklagen, beschuldigen
Etymology
From 'recht' (right, just) + 'fertig' (ready, done). Literally 'to make right/just'.
Memory Tips
Imagine making your actions 'recht' (right) and 'fertig' (done/complete) in the eyes of others.