acquit
uh-KWIT
/əˈkwɪt/
Free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.
Specifically refers to a legal declaration of not guilty, clearing someone of charges. It doesn't necessarily mean they are innocent, just that guilt wasn't proven.
The story behind the word. The word 'acquit' comes from the Old French 'aquiter,' meaning 'to clear, to discharge (a debt), to set free.' This traces back to the Latin 'ad-' (to) and 'quietare' (to quiet, to set at rest). So, to acquit someone is to 'set their mind at rest' by formally clearing them of the criminal charges they faced.
Word relationships
- exonerate: To exonerate is to officially clear someone of blame or wrongdoing, often after a conviction or strong suspicion, implying innocence. 'Acquit' simply means not guilty was proven.
- clear: A more general term for removing suspicion or blame, less formal than 'acquit'.
- convict: To declare someone guilty of a criminal offense.
Commonly confused with
- pardon: To 'acquit' is a legal finding of not guilty by a court. To 'pardon' is an act of executive clemency that forgives a convicted person for a crime, often after they have been found guilty.
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
- acquit the defendant
- jury acquits
Example sentences
- "Despite the prosecution's efforts, the jury decided to acquit the defendant due to insufficient evidence." Describing the outcome of a trial.
- "The judge instructed the jury that if they had reasonable doubt, they must acquit the accused." Referring to the legal act of clearing charges.
Memory hook
To 'ACQUIT' is to say 'A-OK, QUIT' the charges. A-OK, QUIT charges
When not to use
Do not use 'acquit' for civil cases; use 'find for the defendant' or 'dismiss'.
Fun facts
- In the U.S., once a defendant is acquitted, they cannot be tried again for the same crime (double jeopardy).
- An acquittal is a definitive end to a criminal case in favor of the defendant.
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