acquit

Acquit (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does acquit mean?

To formally declare a person not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing in a court of law.
"The jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges."

Detailed Meaning of Acquit

When an individual is 'acquitted,' it means that after a trial, the judge or jury has found them free from the charges or accusations brought against them. This verdict signifies that there is insufficient evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and they are cleared of any criminal liability. 'Acquit' is a fundamental concept in the justice system, emphasizing the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and ensuring that individuals are not unjustly punished for crimes they did not commit. It represents the exoneration of the accused and their legal vindication.

Example Sentences for Acquit

1. The jury may acquit the defendant if there isn't enough evidence.
2. If the evidence is deemed unreliable, the judge may acquit him.
3. Lawyers work hard to acquit their clients if they believe they are innocent.
4. It is the defense attorney’s role to try to acquit the accused.
5. She hopes the jury will acquit her of all charges.
6. If new evidence emerges, the court might acquit the convicted person.

Origin and Etymology of Acquit

The verb 'acquit' has its etymological roots in Latin, originating from the word 'acquitare,' which meant 'to set free' or 'to absolve.' This Latin term is a combination of 'ad' (to) and 'quitare' (to release or free). In English, 'acquit' came to signify the formal declaration of a person as not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing in a court of law. When someone is acquitted, they are essentially set free from the charges brought against them, absolved of any legal responsibility or guilt. The etymology of 'acquit' underscores the act of releasing or freeing an individual from legal liability, highlighting the core principle of justice that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb acquit:

sentence

convict

exonerate

condemn

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More Usage Examples of Acquit

1. The defense attorney presented an alibi to acquit his client.
2. The legal team managed to acquit their client through diligent work.
3. In some cases, a single piece of evidence can acquit an accused person.
4. The judge decided to acquit the defendant due to a lack of motive.
5. They are waiting to see if the court will acquit her based on the new evidence.
6. The defendant's family fervently hoped that the court would acquit him.
7. The lawyer put forth a convincing argument to acquit the suspect.
8. Public opinion pressured the court, but the judge upheld the law and decided to acquit the man.
9. Sometimes, an honest testimony from a credible witness can acquit a defendant.
10. The legal system should acquit the innocent and punish the guilty.
11. The defense lawyer advised his client to remain calm, believing he could acquit him.
12. The court must acquit if the prosecution fails to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
13. If you can provide an alibi for that night, the court may acquit you.
14. Despite the public's outcry, the court chose to acquit the defendant based on the evidence presented.