acquittal

noun ac·quit·tal \ ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: acquittal in a Sentence

Definition of acquittal

: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

See acquittal defined for English-language learners

See acquittal defined for kids

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 of acquittal from the Web

The last case, involving defendant Artie Bailey, ended in an acquittal in late 2002.

— tim prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Ivan Bates' 'undefeated' claim of prosecuting murders in Baltimore not a clear cut case," 14 June 2018
After six-years of investigations, both processes were resolved, resulting in full acquittal.

— patricia meschino, Billboard, "Rototom Sunsplash Reveals Full List of 2018 Performers, Looks Back on 25 Years: Exclusive," 13 June 2018
In 2016, only 0.36 percent of criminal court trials resulted in acquittals, according to Russia’s Supreme Court.

— leonid ragozin, Bloomberg.com, "When Russian Officials ‘Nightmare’ Your Business, You Can Lose Everything—Even Your Life," 29 Jan. 2018
Jurors told Judge Amalia Meza they were deadlocked 11-1 for acquittal on the murder charge.

— kelly wheeler, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Second mistrial declared in case of man who drove drunk, killed Lyft driver," 2 July 2018
LeBlanc said in granting the defense team's request for acquittal.

— steven lemongello, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Adam Putnam cancels Orlando fundraiser following controversy over host's dog shooting case," 24 May 2018
Defense attorneys filed motions for acquittal last month after prosecutors finished presenting their case, but Andrews has not yet ruled on them.

— randall chase, BostonGlobe.com, "Former Wilmington Trust executives seek acquittal after fraud convictions," 19 May 2018
A year later, and nearly one month since the acquittal on all charges of the first of those arrested to stand trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in January dropped the charges for 129 of the defendants.

— caolan iomlan, Teen Vogue, "The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained," 24 Jan. 2018
Morrison's motion for acquittal was granted by Copple.

— ashleigh r wilson, azcentral, "Yes, it really happened on an airport tarmac in metro Phoenix," 29 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acquittal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of acquittal

Middle English acquitaille, acquytall "release, discharge, conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French acquitel, acquitaill, from aquiter "to acquit" + -el, -aill ²-al

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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acquittal Synonyms

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

ACQUITTAL Defined for English Language Learners

acquittal

noun

Definition of acquittal for English Language Learners

: the act of deciding that a person is not guilty of a crime : the act of acquitting someone

ACQUITTAL Defined for Kids

acquittal

noun ac·quit·tal \ ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl \

Definition of acquittal for Students

: the act of declaring someone innocent of a crime or wrongdoing

Law Dictionary

acquittal

noun ac·quit·tal \ ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl \

legal Definition of acquittal

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 1a — compare conviction