acquitted

[uh-kwit-id]

adjective

1. having been declared not guilty of a crime.

   The mayor extended condolences to the victim’s family, but also expressed empathy for the acquitted officers.

noun

1. Usually the acquitted a person or persons who have been declared not guilty of a crime.

   None of the acquitted received any kind of compensation or redress.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of acquit.

Other Word Forms

• unacquitted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquitted¹

acquit + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

In a recent case, a federal jury acquitted Brayan Ramos-Brito of misdemeanor assault charges after evidence shown in court contradicted what Border Patrol agents had reported to justify his prosecution.

From Los Angeles Times

But in recent years, South Korean courts have acquitted several tattoo artists, signalling a shift in attitudes.

From BBC

The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

From BBC