acquit Meaning & Definition
What Does Acquit Mean?
Acquit is used as a verb meaning To declare or find innocent or not guilty. It can also mean To discharge (for example, a claim or debt); to clear off, to pay off; to fulfil.
Quick Facts About Acquit
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /əˈkwɪt/ |
| Synonyms | clear, conduct and discharge |
| Antonyms | convict and condemn |
| Verb forms | acquits, acquitting, acquitted |
Acquit Definition (Verb)
- To declare or find innocent or not guilty.
- To discharge (for example, a claim or debt); to clear off, to pay off; to fulfil.
- to discharge, release, or set free from a burden, duty, liability, or obligation, or from an accusation or charge. [with of or from]
The jury acquitted the prisoner of the charge.
- To bear or conduct oneself; to perform one's part.
The soldier acquitted herself well in battle.
- To clear oneself.
- past participle of acquit.
- To release, to rescue, to set free.
- To pay for; to atone for.
Verb
- Followed by of (and formerly by from): to discharge, release, or set free from a burden, duty, liability, or obligation, or from an accusation or charge.
The jury acquitted the prisoner of the charge.
Synonyms of Acquit
Acquit synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Acquit
Acquit in a Sentence
The jury acquitted the prisoner of the charge.
The soldier acquitted herself well in battle.
The orator acquitted himself very poorly.
Word Forms & Grammar
acquit (third-person singular simple present acquits, present participle acquitting, simple past acquitted, past participle acquitted or (archaic) acquit)
Words That Rhyme With Acquit
Origin of Acquit
From Middle English aquī̆ten (“to give in return; to pay, repay; to redeem (a pledge, security), to make good (a promise); to make amends; to relieve of an obligation; to acquit, clear of a charge; to free; to deprive of; to do one's part, acquit oneself; to act, behave (in a certain way)”), from Old French aquiter (“to act, do”) and Medieval Latin acquitāre (“to settle a debt”),[1] from ad- (“to”) + quitare (“to free”),[2] equivalent to a- + quit. Doublet of acquiet; also related to quit, quiet and acquiesce.
Quick Answers About Acquit
What part of speech is acquit?
Acquit is a verb.
What is another word for acquit?
Words with a similar meaning to acquit include clear, conduct and discharge. See the full list of acquit synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of acquit?
The past tense of acquit is acquitted. The present participle is acquitting.