C2verbformallawcrime
US/əˈkwɪt/
UK/əˈkwɪt/
to decide in a court that someone is not guilty of a crime
In context
The jury acquitted the defendant after only two hours of discussion.
She was acquitted of all charges due to a lack of evidence.
The court acquitted him of fraud, but he lost his job anyway.
Words that go with acquit
verb + preposition
- acquit someone ofThe judge acquitted him of murder.
- be acquitted ofShe was acquitted of theft.
- acquit on all countsThey acquitted him on all counts.
- be acquitted on appealHe was acquitted on appeal.
adverb + verb
- unanimously acquitThe jury unanimously acquitted her.
verb + noun
- acquit the defendantThe court will acquit the defendant.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He was acquitted from the charge.Correct: He was acquitted of the charge.