English Dictionary

Definition of “acquit”

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acquit (əˈkwɪt)

Definitions

verb

(tr)

(foll by of)
1. to free or release (from a charge of crime)
2. 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)

Alternative Forms

acˈquitter noun

Word Origin

C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, quit

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= clear, free, release, deliver, excuse, relieve, discharge, liberate, vindicate, exonerate, absolve, exculpate,

= pay off, pay, settle, satisfy, discharge, repay,

Usage examples

She was naive, ignorant, asinine, but she still wanted to acquit herself according to rule.
Martin, Joy, The Image of Laura (1993)
This created grounds for reasonable doubt as to his guilt, and the court had little choice but to acquit.
Spiked (2004)
``I think she is a really good chance and will acquit herself well.
The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
Why juries are more likely to acquit in rape cases; Law Letter
Times, Sunday Times (2001)

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