Acquit: meaning, definitions and examples

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acquit

[ əˈkwɪt ]

^{Context #1}

in a legal context

To free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty. To conduct oneself or perform in a specified way, especially well or in a particular way.

Synonyms

absolve, clear, exonerate

Examples of usage

He was acquitted of all the charges.
She acquitted herself admirably in the crisis.
The team acquitted themselves well in the tournament.

^{Context #2}

in a non-legal context

To behave or perform in a specified way.

Synonyms

conduct, perform

Examples of usage

He acquitted himself well in the interview.
She acquitted herself with grace under pressure.

Translations

Translations of the word "acquit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 absolver

🇮🇳 बरी करना

🇩🇪 freisprechen

🇮🇩 membebaskan

🇺🇦 виправдати

🇵🇱 uniewinnić

🇯🇵 無罪にする

🇫🇷 acquitter

🇪🇸 absolver

🇹🇷 beraat ettirmek

🇰🇷 무죄로 하다

🇸🇦 تبرئة

🇨🇿 zprostit viny

🇸🇰 oslobodiť

🇨🇳 无罪释放

🇸🇮 oprostiti

🇮🇸 sýkna

🇰🇿 ақтау

🇬🇪 გათავისუფლება

🇦🇿 azad etmək

🇲🇽 absolver

Word origin

The word 'acquit' originated from the Old French word 'acquiter', meaning 'to pay, answer for', which in turn came from the Latin word 'adquītāre', meaning 'to release'. The legal sense of 'acquit' in English emerged in the 16th century, referring to the release or discharge of a person from an obligation or accusation.