acquit

[ uh-kwit ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·quit·ted, ac·quit·ting.

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)

Derived Forms

• acˈquitter, noun

Other Words From

• ac·quit·ter noun
• pre·ac·quit verb (used with object) preacquitted preacquitting

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

Most were found guilty of conspiring to attempt subversion, while two were acquitted.

From BBC

Two were acquitted in May, which means 45 people will receive their sentences on Tuesday.

From BBC

Majors was acquitted of a different assault charge and a charge of aggravated harassment.

From Los Angeles Times

Then in 1981 he was acquitted of drug charges after telling a jury at the Old Bailey he was an MI5 agent spying on IRA drug smugglers and gunrunners.

From BBC

If Arseny really was innocent, they argue, the court would have acquitted him.

From BBC

Related Words

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