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

Weeks before, the predominantly Black neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles erupted in violence and unrest over the acquittal of the police officers who were captured on camera brutally beating Rodney King. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024

Just five days after his acquittal in the double murder case, on April 19, 2017, Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2024

Michael Jackson also called Deutsch for an exclusive interview following his acquittal in his 2005 molestation case, the outlet previously reported. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2024

Twenty-three of the 27 charges resulted in acquittals, and the jury wasn’t able to reach a verdict for another three charges. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 20 June 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