Acquit
/əˈkwaɪt/
verbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
to find (someone) not guilty of a criminal charge
/əˈkwaɪt/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
declare not guilty of criminal charges
The jury acquitted the defendant due to lack of evidence.
More Examples
2
Despite compelling evidence, the judge chose to acquit the suspect.
3
The accused was acquitted on all charges.
How It's Used
Legal
"The jury acquitted the defendant of all charges."
From Old French acouter, aquiter ‘to absolve,’ from a- (privative prefix) + cuer ‘heart.’
The term has been in use since the 15th century, derived from Old French.
Memory tip
Imagine a courtroom scenario where the defendant is set free, symbolizing being acquitted.
Practice
akquitacquiteakkwit
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written