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

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

Classic mystery crime: the teen-age couple tried and acquitted for dynamiting her parents aboard their yacht in Newport Harbor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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