Vocabulary Spotlight

Acquit

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge; to clear of wrongdoing.

“After a lengthy trial, the jury voted to acquit the defendant of all charges.”

Pronunciation

[uh-KWIT]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Exonerate
Clear
Absolve
Vindicate
Discharge

Antonyms

Convict
Condemn
Incriminate
Charge
Blame

Related Words

Acquittal
Exculpate
Release

Word Origin

“Acquit” originates from the Old French “acquiter,” meaning “to set free or release.”

Word Family

Verb: Acquit – To declare not guilty.

Noun: Acquittal – A judgment of not guilty.

Mnemonics

Think “A Quit from Charges” – Acquit means to free someone from a charge or guilt.

Industry-specific Usage

Law

In legal contexts, to acquit means to declare someone not guilty in court.

Media

News outlets report when high-profile individuals are acquitted in court.

Personal Reputation

To acquit oneself well means to perform admirably under challenging circumstances.

In Context

Acquit is typically used in legal settings to denote clearing someone of charges or accusations, representing freedom from guilt.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is an antonym of “Acquit”?

Exonerate
Convict
Clear
Absolve

‘Convict’ is correct as it represents the opposite of declaring someone not guilty.

2. Fill in the blank: After reviewing the evidence, the judge chose to _______ the defendant.

convict
blame
charge
acquit

‘Acquit’ is correct as it means to declare someone not guilty of a charge.

3. In which context would “acquit” be MOST appropriate?

Declaring a person not guilty
Convicting a guilty person
Punishing someone for a crime
Accusing someone of wrongdoing

‘Declaring a person not guilty’ is appropriate as acquit refers to clearing someone of charges.