acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for acquittal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acquittal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on acquittal

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