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 acquitted
Contemporary Examples
Of course, this does not mean that Elonis will be acquitted.
Does Free Speech Cover Murder Fantasies? The Supreme Court’s Definition of a ‘Threat’Geoffrey R. Stone
December 1, 2014
After 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury found that the evidence was insufficient and acquitted Lizzie.
The woman was acquitted of perjury, which could have landed the mother of three 15 years in jail.
He was arrested, tried and, thanks to a technicality, acquitted.
Nigeria’s Larger-Than-Life Nobel Laureate Chronicles a Fascinating LifeChimamanda Adichie
August 9, 2014
“Their trial had lasted nine months and they were acquitted in two hours,” he wrote.
Historical Examples
"Acquitted by a smile from Amelia, worth all our acclamations," said Mrs. Beaumont.
Tales And Novels, Volume 5 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
Their very simplicity and ignorance would have acquitted them.
He would like to say a few words, while there is time, to those who would have acquitted him.
ApologyPlato
On this wise the ambassadors were acquitted of all concern in the matter and dismissed.
HellenicaXenophon
Soon he had acquitted himself of his stewardship and given the check into her hand.
The Duke Of Chimney ButteG. W. Ogden
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
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Word Origin and History for acquitted
adj.
"freed, exonerated," 1670s, past participle adjective from acquit (v.). Formerly in this sense was acquit (late 14c.), perhaps on analogy of pps. such as hit.
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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