acquit
[uh-kwit]
- 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.
- to release or discharge (a person) from an obligation.
- to settle or satisfy (a debt, obligation, claim, etc.).
- to bear or conduct (oneself); behave: He acquitted himself well in battle.
- to free or clear (oneself): He acquitted himself of suspicion.
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Origin of acquit
Synonyms
See more synonyms for acquit on Thesaurus.com1. exculpate. 2. free.
Synonym study
1. See absolve.
Antonyms
1. convict.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for acquit
Contemporary Examples
Both trials ended in mistrials, with all of the white jurors voting to convict and all of the black jurors voting to acquit.
She and many others believed that Tuesday, when the court ruled to acquit all 13 defendants, was that day.
But based on the testimony, the evidence and the language of the law, it would have been hard for me to vote to acquit.
And it shows they were almost unanimously inclined to acquit right from jump.
In March of this year, a jury here took just 45 minutes to acquit Tiller of charges that he performed 19 illegal abortions.
Historical Examples
Edricson, if God spare you, I think that you will acquit yourself well.
The White CompanyArthur Conan Doyle
In this way, and in this way only, he may acquit himself and free others from the work of legislation.
LawsPlato
Don't forget that if you acquit him, you'll be sorely puzzled to convict the other.'
Maurice Tiernay Soldier of FortuneCharles James Lever
As to the parsons, I must acquit them honestly of any portion of this charge.
Arthur O'LearyCharles James Lever
"I 'll try and acquit myself with credit," said she, as she sat down to the writing-desk.
BarringtonCharles James Lever
acquit
- (foll by of)
- to free or release (from a charge of crime)
- to pronounce not guilty
- (foll by of) to free or relieve (from an obligation, duty, responsibility, etc)
- to repay or settle (something, such as a debt or obligation)
- to perform (one's part); conduct (oneself)
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, quit
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for acquit
v.
early 13c., "to satisfy a debt" (either for oneself or on behalf of another), from Old French aquiter "pay, pay up, settle a claim" (12c.), from à "to" (see ad-) + quite "free, clear" (see quit (adj.)). Meanings "set free from charges" and "to discharge one's duty" both recorded from late 14c. Related: Acquitted; acquitting.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper