acquit
C1Formal, Legal
Definition
Meaning
To formally and legally declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge.
To perform or behave in a specified way; to discharge a duty or responsibility; to settle a debt or obligation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In its core legal sense, it is used transitively ('acquit someone'). In the extended sense of 'conduct oneself,' it is reflexive ('acquit oneself well').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used identically in legal contexts. The reflexive usage ('acquit oneself') is slightly more formal/literary in BrE.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of legal exoneration and formal judgment.
Frequency
Less frequent in everyday conversation than synonyms like 'clear' or 'find not guilty.' Highest frequency in news and legal discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVOO (The jury acquitted him of the crime.)SVOR (She acquitted herself admirably in the debate.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Acquit oneself well/honourably/badly.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of legal liability: 'The board was acquitted of any wrongdoing.'
Academic
Used in legal, historical, and political science texts discussing trials and judgments.
Everyday
Used when discussing news about court cases: 'Did they acquit him?'
Technical
Core term in legal jargon for the formal verdict of 'not guilty.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Crown Court jury took three hours to acquit the accused.
- She acquitted herself with great dignity during the enquiry.
American English
- The jury acquitted him on all counts.
- He acquitted himself well in his first managerial role.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The court will decide if they are guilty or not.
- The man was happy when they said he was not guilty.
- Despite the evidence, the jury surprised everyone by choosing to acquit the defendant.
- She acquitted herself brilliantly in the difficult interview.
- The defendant was acquitted of fraud due to a significant lack of concrete evidence.
- Historians argue he acquitted himself poorly during the crisis, damaging his legacy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ACQUIT sounds like 'a quit' – as in, the charges 'quit' or leave the person because they are innocent.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A BALANCE / BEING CLEANED: Acquitting removes the weight/blot/stain of accusation.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'acquire' (приобретать).
- The reflexive use 'acquit oneself' does not translate directly to Russian reflexive verbs; it means 'to perform/conduct oneself' (проявить себя).
- Do not use for simple actions like 'leave' or 'quit a job.'
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *The judge acquitted him. (Correct: The jury acquitted him.)
- Incorrect: *He was acquitted from the charges. (Correct: He was acquitted of the charges.)
- Incorrect preposition: acquitted *for a crime.
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct preposition to use with 'acquit' in its legal sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. In common law systems, a jury returns a verdict of 'not guilty,' which is the acquittal. A judge can direct an acquittal if there is insufficient evidence, but the formal acquitting agent is the jury.
'Acquit' is the specific legal verdict of 'not guilty.' 'Exonerate' is broader, meaning to clear from blame, and often happens after an acquittal or new evidence emerges, implying the person is declared innocent.
Primarily, yes. It is used for individuals or entities (like a company) charged with a crime. It is not used for abstract concepts.
It means to perform or behave in a specified way, especially in a challenging situation. E.g., 'She acquitted herself well in the debate' means she performed skillfully.