Word Finder - acquit

definition

To declare or find innocent or not guilty.

synonyms

• absolve
• clear
• exculpate
• exonerate

definition

To discharge (for example, a claim or debt); to clear off, to pay off; to fulfil.

definition

Followed by of (and formerly by from): to discharge, release, or set free from a burden, duty, liability, or obligation, or from an accusation or charge.

example

The jury acquitted the prisoner of the charge.

definition

To bear or conduct oneself; to perform one's part.

example

The orator acquitted himself very poorly.

definition

To clear oneself.

definition

To release, to rescue, to set free.

definition

To pay for; to atone for.

Those who blame Bacon must acquit Essex of all wrong-doing.

The Japanese mission had vanished in blood in 1651; and though many Jesuits died with their converts bravely as martyrs for the faith, yet it is impossible to acquit them of a large share in the causes of that overthrow.

We cannot wholly acquit the Italians of their share of blame.

From the huge stock he was now able to equip himself very creditably, and acquit himself with perfect soldierly bearing when on duty.

The moral law, which has the right to acquit or condemn, always demands restitution, before mortals can go up higher.

Mahomet himself had to disclaim such titles, because he felt himself to be a divinely inspired prophet; but we too, from our standpoint, shall fully acquit him of poetic genius.

For example, "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit" was uttered by Simpson's attorney Johnnie Cochran, referring to a glove the prosecution presented as evidence in the trial.

The moral law, which has the right to acquit or condemn, always demands restitution, before mortals can " go up higher.

Moderns generally acquit him of this charge; but his severer critics still urge that, from the inherent defects of his character, his credulity, his love of effect and his loose and inaccurate habits of thought, he was unfitted for the historian's office, and has produced a work of but small historical value.

It is not possible to acquit Schelling of a certain disingenuousness in regard to the Hegelian philosophy; and if we claim for him perfect disinterestedness of view we must accuse him of deficient insight.

And, though we may acquit Roscellinus of consciously propounding a theory so subversive of all knowledge, his criticism of the doctrine of the Trinity is proof at least of the determination with which he was prepared to carry out his individualism.

This alone should acquit him of any base motive; his conduct was "throughout open and straightforward" (Stubbs).

In the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson he was one of the seven Republicans who voted to acquit, and he afterwards returned to the Democratic party.