# acquit

/əˈkwɪt/ (US) · /ɐkwˈɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acquit
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to say in court that someone is not guilty of a crime. You use this when a judge or jury decides the person did not break the law.

For teachers: to formally declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge after a trial. Typically refers to a decision by a judge or jury.

## Examples

- The court acquits the man of all charges.
- After two weeks of testimony, the jury acquitted the driver of dangerous driving.
- Although the press had already condemned him, the tribunal acquitted the officer, ruling that the evidence failed to prove intent beyond reasonable doubt.

## Synonyms

clear, exonerate

## Antonyms

convict

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and often takes 'of' plus the charge.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.