Acquitted Meaning

Acquitted

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Declared not guilty of a criminal charge, especially after a trial.
2. To be formally cleared of charges in a legal case by a court decision.
3. To conduct oneself or perform in a certain way, often used in a more general, non-legal context (e.g., acquitting oneself well).

History and Origin

The word “acquitted” comes from the Old French acquitier (meaning “to free” or “to discharge”), which is derived from the Latin acquittare (meaning “to repay” or “to clear”). It has been used since the 15th century in legal contexts to indicate that a defendant has been found not guilty after a trial.

Detailed Explanation

When a person is acquitted, it means that a court has found them not guilty of the charges they were facing. The acquittal may occur due to insufficient evidence, lack of proof of guilt, or a legal ruling that the accused did not commit the alleged crime. Acquittal can happen in both criminal and civil cases, but it is most commonly associated with criminal trials. In some cases, the person may be acquitted after a trial in which they present a defense that successfully convinces the court of their innocence. However, being acquitted does not always mean the individual was proven innocent—only that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof.

Example Sentences

1. After a lengthy trial, the defendant was acquitted of all charges.
2. The jury acquitted him due to a lack of evidence.
3. She was acquitted in court after presenting a solid alibi.
4. The judge acquitted the accused of theft, ruling that the evidence was insufficient.
5. The accused was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense.
6. The athlete acquitted himself admirably in the competition, despite the pressure.
7. The court acquitted him after the prosecutor failed to prove his guilt.
8. He was acquitted of the charges but still faced public scrutiny.
9. The team was acquitted of any wrongdoing after the investigation.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Exonerated – To be cleared of blame or fault, similar to being acquitted in legal contexts.
2. Cleared – Found free from any legal accusations or charges.
3. Released – To be set free from legal charges or confinement, often after being acquitted.
4. Exculpated – To be absolved from blame, used in legal settings similar to acquittal.
5. Pardoned – Officially forgiven for an offense, sometimes related to acquittal in legal settings.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Verdict – The decision made by a judge or jury in a trial, which can be an acquittal.
2. Trial – The legal process in which a person is judged in court, leading to a possible acquittal.
3. Innocence – The state of being free from guilt, often linked to an acquittal.
4. Appeal – A legal process where a decision, such as an acquittal, can be challenged in a higher court.
5. Defense – The argument or case presented to prove a defendant’s innocence, often leading to an acquittal.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Dismissed – A legal case can be dismissed, which is similar to being acquitted, especially if charges are dropped.
2. Not guilty – The declaration made after an acquittal in a court of law.
3. Absolution – A religious or moral release from guilt, sometimes used in broader contexts similar to acquittal.
4. Clear – To be free of accusations or legal charges, akin to acquittal.
5. Justified – When actions or decisions are proven to be right or reasonable, related to the concept of acquittal.

Antonyms

1. Guilty
2. Convicted
3. Culpable
4. Implicated
5. Accused