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

• pardon
• forgiveness
• clearing
• 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

Fresh off her acquittal, Karen Read is turning her two-trial ordeal over the 2022 death of her then-boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, into a feature film. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025

The teenager commemorated the anniversary of his acquittal on X, a week after becoming verified on the platform. —Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025

Combs' defense team immediately moved for a judgment of acquittal before resting their case. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025

But the rules require that, in order to preserve arguments, the defense has to move for a Rule 29 judgment of acquittal after the prosecution rests. —Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 June 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