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

The hearing came about after Swiss federal prosecutors appealed against their 2022 acquittal at a lower court. —Reuters, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025

Despite their acquittal, the scandal has left an indelible mark on both men’s legacies. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025

Rihanna proudly stood by her man’s side outside of the courtroom after his legal victory and later expressed her gratitude at his acquittal. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

When Trump was impeached twice by the House, McConnell held Senate Republicans together to assure his acquittal in both cases. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for acquittal

• belittle
• committal
• hospital
• submittal
• transmittal
• brittle
• kittel
• kittle
• little
• spital
• spittle
• tittle

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