acquit

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Acquit

To set free, release or discharge as from an obligation, burden or accusation. To absolve one from an obligation or a liability; or to legally certify the innocence of one charged with a crime.

acquit

v. what a jury or judge sitting without a jury does at the end of a criminal trial if the jury or judge finds the accused defendant not guilty. (See: verdict)

acquit

verb absolve, absolvere, clear, declare innocent, discharge, discharge from accusation, excuse, exempt, exonerate, find not guilty, give a favorable verdict, grant remission, let off, liberare, liberate, make free, pardon, pronounce not guilty, prove innocent, purgare, release, remit, reprieve, set at liberty, set free
Associated concepts: acquittal in fact, acquittal in law

acquit

see AQUITTAL.

References in classic literature ?

Emma was very willing now to acquit her of having seduced Mr.

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Sire, I owe you much, but I think I acquit myself of all towards you in giving you M.

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In case of ill conduct they were liable to forfeit their wages and be dismissed; but, should they acquit themselves well, the confident expectation was held out to them of promotion, and partnership.

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Each of these cases Cumnor and I had been able to investigate, and we had never failed to acquit him conscientiously of shabby behavior.

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I have reason to imagine she did receive serious proposals from Sir James, but her removing to Langford immediately on the discovery of his attachment, must acquit her on that article with any mind of common candour.

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Don't you see that they're condemning him for the very reason for which they acquit everybody else?

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house, miraculously causes the dead boy to speak and acquit him;

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We see young men who owe us a new world, so readily and lavishly they promise, but they never acquit the debt; they die young and dodge the account; or if they live they lose themselves in the crowd.

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In the first place, then, I acquit my conscience, when I consider openly the merits and the faults of this great prince; and if I condemn him, my conscience absolves me.

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Before I speak, however, of the beneficent humorist who next had my boyish heart after Goldsmith, let me acquit myself in full of my debt to that not unequal or unkindred spirit.

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I longed to show my friends that, even now, I was competent to undertake the charge, and able to acquit myself honourably to the end; and if ever I felt it degrading to submit so quietly, or intolerable to toil so constantly, I would turn towards my home, and say within myself -