acquit Hear it!

acquit Definition

ac·quit (ə kwit′)

transitive verb acquitted -·quit′·ted, acquitting -·quit′·ting

  1. to release from a duty, obligation, etc.
  2. to clear (a person) of a charge, as by declaring him not guilty; exonerate
  3. to bear or conduct (oneself); behave
  4. Archaic to pay (a debt or claim)

Etymology: ME aquiten < OFr aquiter, to free < ML acquitare, to settle a claim < L ad-, to + quietare: see quiet

Related Forms:

acquit Synonyms

acquit

v.

  1. To exonerate

    clear, absolve, vindicate; see absolve, excuse.

  2. To behave

    comport, conduct, bear, act; see behave 2. See syn. study atabsolve, behave.

acquit Law Definition

v

  1. In criminal law, to clear a person, to release or set him free, or to discharge him from an accusation of committing a criminal offense after a judicial finding that he is not guilty of the crime or after the court or prosecution determines that the case should not continue after the criminal trial has started. See also autrefois acquit and double jeopardy.
  2. In contract law, to pay or discharge a debt, duty, or a claim.