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acquittal
noun
ac·quit·tal
ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl
: a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process
Examples of acquittal in a Sentence
The case resulted in acquittal of the defendant.
Several jurors voted for acquittal.
The case resulted in an acquittal of the defendant.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Brothers Said That OJ Simpson's Acquittal Had A ‘Profound’ Impact On Their Case
In the documentary, Lyle Menendez argued that OJ Simpson’s acquittal had a huge impact on their second trial, which began eight days after Simpson’s trial ended.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
If the trial resulted in an acquittal, the case would be over and the prosecution could not appeal.
—Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2024
More recently, the law was invoked by President George H.W. Bush during the 1992 riots in Los Angeles that followed the trial acquittal of police officers in the Rodney King case.
—Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024
The trial, including Rittenhouse's acquittal on all charges, was shown on Court TV.
—Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English acquitaille, acquytall "release, discharge, conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French acquitel, acquitaill, from aquiter "to acquit" + -el, -aill -al entry 2
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of acquittal was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near acquittal
Cite this Entry
“Acquittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquittal. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
acquittal
noun
ac·quit·tal
ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl
: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime
Legal Definition
acquittal
noun
ac·quit·tal
ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl
1
: release or discharge from debt or other liability
2
: a setting free or deliverance from the charge of an offense by verdict of a jury, judgment of a court, or other legal process see also implied acquittal, judgment of acquittal at judgment sense 1a compare conviction
More from Merriam-Webster on acquittal
Nglish: Translation of acquittal for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of acquittal for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acquittal
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