acquit
Translation
to acquit, to clear, to exonerate
Examples
The jury acquitted him of all charges.
The jury acquitted him of all charges.
She acquitted herself well in the new role.
She acquitted herself well in the new role.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((of sth.)) to decide officially that (sb.) is not guilty of a crime The jury acquitted him of all charges.
((to acquit oneself well/badly/etc.)) to perform in a particular way She acquitted herself well in the new role.
Similar Words
Synonyms: clear, exonerate, absolve; Antonyms: convict, condemn
Etymology
From Old French 'acquiter', from 'a-' (to) + 'quite' (free, clear), from Latin 'quietus' (at rest, quiet). Literally 'to make quiet' or 'to settle a debt'.
Memory Tips
To 'acquit' someone is to let them 'quit' the courthouse, free to go. Or, it makes the legal noise 'quiet'.