acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl 

: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

Synonyms

• clearing
• exculpation
• exoneration
• vindication

Examples of acquittal in a Sentence

The case resulted in acquittal of the defendant.

Several jurors voted for acquittal.

The case resulted in an acquittal of the defendant.

Recent Examples on the Web

During that time period several high profile cases of women killing — mostly their lovers or husbands — grabbed headlines, particularly the rash of acquittals that usually followed. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2024

After that case ended with Spacey’s acquittal on all charges, the actor’s lawyers failed to file his defense in the civil suit on time. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acquitaille, acquytall "release, discharge, conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French acquitel, acquitaill, from aquiter "to acquit" + -el, -aill -al entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl 

: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl 

1

: release or discharge from debt or other liability

2

: a setting free or deliverance from the charge of an offense by verdict of a jury, judgment of a court, or other legal process see also implied acquittal, judgment of acquittal at judgment sense 1a compare conviction