DictionaryacquitPersonal conduct
verb

acquit

To conduct oneself in a particular way.

The young substitute acquits herself well in her first match.

Etymology

Old French acquiter meant to discharge or release. To acquit oneself well is to discharge one’s part or responsibilities successfully, leading to the broader sense of conducting oneself.

More examples

  • He acquitted himself creditably during the difficult interview.
  • They hope to acquit themselves with honor.
  • She is acquitting herself admirably under considerable pressure.

Forms

acquit · acquits · acquitted · acquitting

Similar words

perform
Describes carrying out a task without requiring a reflexive pronoun.
conduct
Describes behavior more generally, not necessarily under evaluation.