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

Even with Penny’s acquittal, Bragg’s prosecution will make good people think twice before coming to the aid of helpless people. —The Editors, National Review, 9 Dec. 2024

First, in January 2022, Josh's lawyer filed for an acquittal, which was rejected. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

While the city is not in a moment as fraught as 1992, when riots broke out in the streets following the acquittal of the officers who beat Rodney King, Martinez said there is a tension in the air. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

Hopefully this will be a step into an acquittal or, at the very least, a new trial for him. —Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Oct. 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