Main Entry: ac·quit

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈkwit\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ac·quit·ted; ac·quit·ting

Etymology: Middle English aquiten, from Anglo-French aquiter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + quite free of — more at quit

Date: 13th century

1 a archaic : to pay off (as a claim or debt) b obsolete : repay, requite
2 : to discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation) <the court acquitted the prisoner>
3 : to conduct (oneself) usually satisfactorily especially under stress <the recruits acquitted themselves like veterans>

synonyms see behave, exculpate

— ac·quit·ter noun