verb
acquit
uh-KWIT/əˈkwɪt/
To find someone not guilty of a criminal charge.
The jury acquits the defendant after reviewing the evidence.
Etymology
The root meant free or at rest, including being free from debts. A verb for settling a claim and releasing someone from an obligation came to mean clearing an accused person of charges.
In context
a disloyal spying and eavesdropping in order to satisfy an illicit curiosity but of that Mr Colmore I acquit you
More examples
- She was acquitted of all charges.
- The court cannot acquit him merely because the case is unpopular.
- The verdict acquitting both defendants brought the trial to an end.
Forms
acquit · acquits · acquitted · acquitting
acquittal noun — A formal finding that someone is not guilty.