Meaning & use
acquit
To formally declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge.
See it in a sentence
The jury acquitted the defendant after finding insufficient evidence of guilt.
She was acquitted of all charges following a lengthy and highly publicized trial.
A note on using this word
A legal term specific to criminal trials; also used reflexively as acquit oneself, meaning to perform in a particular way.
Words with a similar meaning
exonerateclear
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
To behave or perform in a specified way, especially well, in a difficult situation.
The rookie acquitted himself admirably in his first professional match.
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