acquit

[uh-kwit]

verb (used with object)

acquitted, acquitting 

1. to relieve from a charge of fault or crime; declare not guilty.

   They acquitted him of the crime. The jury acquitted her, but I still think she's guilty.

   Synonyms: vindicate, exonerate, exculpate
   Antonyms: convict

2. to release or discharge (a person) from an obligation.

   Synonyms: free

3. to settle or satisfy (a debt, obligation, claim, etc.).

4. to bear or conduct (oneself); behave.

   He acquitted himself well in battle.

5. to free or clear (oneself).

   He acquitted himself of suspicion.

acquit

/ əˈkwɪt /

verb

1. (foll by of)

   1. to free or release (from a charge of crime)

   2. to pronounce not guilty

2. (foll by of) to free or relieve (from an obligation, duty, responsibility, etc)

3. to repay or settle (something, such as a debt or obligation)

4. to perform (one's part); conduct (oneself)

Other Word Forms

• acquitter noun
• preacquit verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquit¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English aquiten, from Anglo-French, Old French (ac)quiter, derivative, with a(c)- “toward” ( ac- ), from quite “free of obligations,” from Medieval Latin quit(t)us, Latin quiētus ( quiet ); quit ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquit¹

C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, _quit

Synonym Study

See absolve.

Example Sentences

Bush to send federal troops to help stop the Los Angeles riots that occurred after police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King.

From Los Angeles Times

It has been amended to make clear that there was no result in the first trial and that he was acquitted after a second trail in which the jury could not reach a verdict.

From BBC

While two men were found guilty of the murder, two others were acquitted at the end of the trial in June.

From BBC

A jury acquitted Ortega’s client after screening video evidence that contradicted the government’s claims.

From Los Angeles Times

He could face up to two decades behind bars, but his attorneys are battling for a more lenient sentence that could see Combs freed in a matter of weeks – or acquitted.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolve 
• clear 
• discharge 
• exonerate 
• free 
• let go 
• vindicate