acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His defense team now hopes that a different judge and a changing political climate give them a chance at an acquittal. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025 The first was a century ago, for fabricating evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti, framed at a trial in the same Dedham courthouse where Karen Read must now stand trial after her acquittal last summer – there are no Constitutional protections against double jeopardy in Norfolk County. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 His impeachment in the state House and trial in the state Senate were seen as another proxy battle within the party, with House Republicans overwhelmingly voting to impeach him and most Senate Republicans voting for his acquittal. Jared Gans, The Hill, 2 Feb. 2025 The filing comes a month after Penny's acquittal in a high-profile and controversial manslaughter trial. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acquittal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acquittal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on acquittal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!