acquittal

noun

ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwi-tᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for acquittal 

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 How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
: the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

Legal Definition

acquittal

noun
ac·​quit·​tal ə-ˈkwit-ᵊl How to pronounce acquittal (audio)
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

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