Definition
To declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb.
Synonyms
Absolve, exonerate, clear, release, vindicate.
Antonyms
Convict, condemn, blame, accuse, incriminate.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | acquittals, acquittal |
| Verb | acquitted, acquit, acquits, acquitting |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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After a long and thorough investigation, the jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges.
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Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, the defendant was somehow acquitted of the murder charges.
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The prosecutor’s case was weak, and the judge had no choice but to acquit the defendant.
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The defense lawyer was able to prove that her client was innocent, and the jury quickly decided to acquit him.
Usage
The word “acquit” is commonly used in legal contexts, and refers to the act of declaring someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. When someone is acquitted, it means that they have been found innocent or cleared of any wrongdoing.
The term “acquit” can also be used in a broader sense to refer to the act of absolving or exonerating someone from any wrongdoing or blame, even if it does not involve a legal case. For example, a teacher may acquit a student of cheating if they can prove that they did not cheat on a test.
The word “acquit” is derived from the Latin word “ad,” meaning “to,” and “quit,” meaning “free” or “release.” The prefix “ac-” can be added to create the related word “acquittal,” which refers to the act of being declared not guilty.
It is important to note that while “acquit” generally refers to a legal context, it can also be used in more general contexts to describe the act of clearing someone of any blame or wrongdoing. In either case, the term carries a sense of exoneration or vindication, and is often used to describe a positive outcome after a period of uncertainty or suspicion.