Needing support it caved in anyway (9)

I believe the answer is:

vindicate

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'needing support' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'it caved in anyway' is the wordplay.
'anyway' indicates anagramming the letters.
'it'+'caved'+'in'='itcavedin'
'itcavedin' with letters rearranged gives 'VINDICATE'.

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(Other definitions for vindicate that I've seen before include "Deflect criticism" , "support" , "Avenge or exonerate" , "Justify by evidence or results" , "Justify or exonerate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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