Acquit - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To acquit means to declare someone not guilty in a legal trial. It can also mean to fulfill a duty or responsibility, such as acquitting oneself well in a task.
Definition:
To declare someone not guilty of a crime, or to behave or perform in a specified way.
Synonyms:
exonerate, clear, absolve, vindicate
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
convict, condemn
Common Collocations:
acquit oneself, acquit of charges, acquit in court
Derivatives:
acquittal, acquitted
Usage Tips:
Use "acquit" for legal exoneration or describing how someone performed (e.g., "acquit oneself well").
Common Phrases:
acquit oneself honorably, acquit of all charges
Etymology:
From Old French "aquiter," meaning to pay or settle, later evolving to mean freeing from blame.
Examples:
- 1. The jury will likely acquit the defendant due to lack of evidence.
- 2. She managed to acquit herself admirably during the debate.
- 3. The judge had no choice but to acquit him of the crime.
- 4. Despite pressure, the court decided to acquit the accused.