acquit
uh-KWIT
/əˈkwɪt/
To formally discharge and clear a person of a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.
An acquittal means the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The story behind the word. From Old French aquiter, derived from Latin ad quietare (to settle a debt or render quiet). When you are acquitted, your debt to public justice is settled and made quiet.
Word relationships
- clear: Clear is an informal term; acquit is the official legal verdict.
- absolve: Absolve often carries moral or religious forgiveness, not just legal acquittal.
- convict: Convict means to formally declare someone guilty.
Commonly confused with
- exonerate: Acquit means found 'not guilty' at trial; exonerate means proven innocent.
Word family
- acquittal (noun): A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime charged.
Collocations
- acquit of all charges
- jury votes to acquit
- acquit the accused
Idioms & expressions
- acquit oneself well (perform admirably)
Example sentences
- "The jury took less than two hours to acquit the defendant of all charges." Jury Verdict
- "If the court chooses to acquit him, he will be set free immediately." Reflecting on Trial
Memory hook
A-QUIT = Court says you are free to QUIT the courtroom! Acquit = Quit court as a free person.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'exonerate', which implies proving actual innocence.
Fun facts
- In non-legal English, 'acquit oneself' means to conduct oneself or perform well under pressure.
Related words
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