ac·quit

[uh-kwit]
verb (used with object), ac·quit·ted, ac·quit·ting.
1.
to relieve from a charge of fault or crime; declare not guilty: They acquitted him of the crime. The jury acquitted her, but I still think she's guilty.
2.
to release or discharge (a person) from an obligation.
3.
to settle or satisfy (a debt, obligation, claim, etc.).
4.
to bear or conduct (oneself); behave: He acquitted himself well in battle.
5.
to free or clear (oneself): He acquitted himself of suspicion.

Origin:
1200–50; Middle English aquiten < Anglo-French, Old French a(c)quiter, derivative, with a(c)- ac-, of quite free of obligations < Medieval Latin quit(t)us, Latin quiētus quiet1; cf. quit

ac·quit·ter, noun
pre·ac·quit, verb (used with object), pre·ac·quit·ted, pre·ac·quit·ting.
un·ac·quit·ted, adjective

acquitted, innocent, nolo contendere (see synonym study at innocent).


1. exculpate. See absolve. 2. free.


1. convict.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Acquitted is always a great word to know.
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a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
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World English Dictionary
acquit (əˈkwɪt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb , -quits, -quitting, -quitted
1.  (foll by of)
 a.  to free or release (from a charge of crime)
 b.  to pronounce not guilty
2.  (foll by of) to free or relieve (from an obligation, duty, responsibility, etc)
3.  to repay or settle (something, such as a debt or obligation)
4.  to perform (one's part); conduct (oneself)
 
[C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, quit]
 
ac'quitter
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

acquit
early 13c., "to satisfy a debt" (either for oneself or on behalf of another), from O.Fr. acquitter "settle a claim," from à "to" + quite "free, clear" (see quit). Meanings "set free from charges" and "to discharge one's duty" both recorded from late 14c.

acquitted
"freed, exonerated," 1670s, pp. adj. from acquit (q.v.). Formerly in this sense was acquit (late 14c.), perhaps on analogy of pps. such as hit.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
After 19 days of deliberations, the jury acquitted one of the five .
And he says even if the drivers are acquitted they may not get their cars back.
Two have ended in mistrials and three individuals have been acquitted.
In these missions, and in several others of inferior importance, he acquitted
  himself with great dexterity.
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