Definitions and Meaning in English
- Acquitted (verb): Declared not guilty of a criminal charge by a court of law.
- Acquitted (verb): To have fulfilled or performed one’s duty or obligation.
History and Origin
- The word “acquitted” originates from the Old French acquiter, meaning “to pay a debt or discharge an obligation.” The legal sense of being cleared of charges emerged in the late Middle Ages, evolving into its modern usage.
Detailed Explanation
- Legal context: Acquittal means that a court has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not necessarily mean the person is innocent, only that guilt was not proven.
- General usage: It can also refer to someone carrying out their responsibilities in a satisfactory or commendable way.
Example Sentences
- The jury acquitted the defendant after a thorough review of the evidence.
- She was acquitted of all charges related to the case.
- The court acquitted him, citing lack of evidence.
- He acquitted himself well during the challenging debate.
- The suspect was acquitted after new evidence proved his innocence.
- The team acquitted their responsibilities with professionalism.
- After a lengthy trial, the judge declared him acquitted.
- History remembers how he acquitted himself honorably during the crisis.
- The lawyer argued convincingly, leading to the client’s acquittal.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Exonerated: Cleared from blame or legal charges.
- Vindicated: Proven to be correct or justified, often in a moral sense.
- Absolved: Freed from guilt, blame, or responsibility.
- Discharged: Released from legal charges or obligations.
- Cleared: Officially found not guilty.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Acquittal: The legal decision that someone is not guilty.
- Not guilty: A verdict stating the defendant did not commit the crime.
- Trial: The legal process where guilt or innocence is determined.
- Verdict: The decision made by a judge or jury in a trial.
- Prosecution: The legal side that argues for the guilt of the defendant.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Defendant: The person being tried in court.
- Judge: The authority presiding over the trial.
- Evidence: Information presented to determine guilt or innocence.
- Testimony: A statement given as evidence in court.
- Jury: A group of people deciding the outcome of a trial.
Antonyms
- Convicted: Declared guilty of a crime in a court of law.
- Charged: Formally accused of a crime.
- Sentenced: Given a punishment after being found guilty.
- Condemned: Officially declared guilty and punished.
- Incriminated: Implicated in a crime or wrongdoing.