acquit
uh-KWIT
/əˈkwɪt/
To free someone from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.
Acquittal is a purely legal outcome. It doesn't mean the person is innocent in the eyes of God or the public, just that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The story behind the word. The root 'quies' means quiet or rest. To acquit someone was to give them 'quiet' from their debts or legal troubles. You were essentially saying the matter was settled and they could rest.
Word relationships
- exonerate: Exonerate implies actual innocence; acquit just means 'not guilty' in a legal sense.
- clear: Clear is more general; acquit is specifically the jury's decision.
- convict: To convict is to find someone guilty.
Commonly confused with
- quit: To quit is to stop doing something; to acquit is to be released from a charge.
Word family
- acquittal (noun): A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.
Collocations
- acquit of charges
- fully acquitted
- acquit oneself well
Example sentences
- "The jury took only two hours to acquit the defendant of all charges." Courtroom Verdict
- "He acquitted himself well during the difficult interview, showing great poise." Personal Conduct
Memory hook
A-Quit: The court tells you that you can 'Quit' the courtroom because you are free. Legally not guilty.
When not to use
Do not use for social forgiveness; it is a formal court action.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'to acquit oneself' means to behave in a certain way, usually a good way, under pressure.
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