Acquittal Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌæk.wɪ.təl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A formal declaration by a court that a person charged with an offense is free from guilt, or that the charges against them have been dropped.

Examples

• The jury delivered an acquittal, and the defendant was set free.
• The acquittal was met with relief from the defendant’s family and supporters.

Synonyms

• Exoneration
• Vindication

Antonyms

• Conviction
• Guilty verdict

Additional Information

An acquittal is a formal declaration by a court that a person charged with an offense is free from guilt. This can occur when the prosecution fails to provide sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An acquittal can also occur when the charges against the defendant are dropped due to lack of evidence or other reasons.

Acquittals can be categorized into different types, including a directed verdict of acquittal, where the judge directs the jury to deliver an acquittal, and a verdict of acquittal, where the jury delivers an acquittal after deliberating on the evidence.

Acquittals can have significant consequences, including the release of the defendant from custody and the restoration of their reputation. However, acquittals can also be controversial, particularly in high-profile cases where the public may disagree with the verdict.

Acquittals can also be appealed by the prosecution, although this is rare and typically only occurs in cases where there has been a significant error in the trial process.

Etymology

The word “acquittal” comes from the Old French word “acquiter,” which means “to clear” or “to acquit.” This word is derived from the Latin word “acquitare,” which means “to clear” or “to release.”

Usage Notes

When using the word “acquittal,” it is essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In formal or technical contexts, such as in law or academia, the word “acquittal” is typically used to refer to a formal declaration by a court that a person charged with an offense is free from guilt.

In informal contexts, such as in conversation or media reports, the word “acquittal” may be used more broadly to refer to any situation in which someone is cleared of blame or wrongdoing.

Cultural References

The word “acquittal” has appeared in numerous cultural references, including films, literature, and music. For example, the 1993 film “Philadelphia” features a dramatic acquittal scene, while the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee explores issues of racial injustice and acquittal.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions that include the word “acquittal,” including “acquittal by jury” and “acquittal on all counts.”

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases that are closely related to “acquittal” include “exoneration,” “vindication,” and “not guilty verdict.”

Collocations

Common word combinations with the term “acquittal” include “acquittal by jury,” “acquittal on all counts,” and “acquittal of charges.”

Frequency of Use

The word “acquittal” is commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as in law or academia. According to Google’s Ngram Viewer, the word “acquittal” has been steadily used in English language texts since the 18th century, with a slight increase in usage in recent years.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “acquittal” include “acquital,” “aquittal,” and “acquittall.”