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

His chief jury investigator, Bert Franklin, had approached two prospective jurors in the McNamara case and offered them cash to vote for acquittals. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

The case, after the acquittal of football star O.J. Simpson, immediately became the next international media sensation. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024

If jurors determine that there are multiple reasonable interpretations of evidence, and at least one points to innocence, they’re required by law to reach an acquittal. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

Penny spoke out about his acquittal in a Fox News interview with co-host Judge Jeanine Pirro, a preview of which was released on Tuesday. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 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