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

He was also acquitted of tax evasion, bribing judges, and corruption—though in some instances the acquittals came after his administration changed the law such that his initial charges no longer constituted a crime. —Koh Ewe, TIME, 31 May 2024

After the acquittal, the Browns returned home where Nicole Brown Simpson and O.J. Simpson's two young children, Sydney and Justin, were waiting. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 29 May 2024

And then when the kids were taken away on Christmas [1996, when O.J. was granted custody after his acquittal]. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2024

Lopez was not called as a witness at Combs’ criminal trial, which ended with his acquittal. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 22 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