acquit
acquit Lexical Profile
acquit Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To free or clear someone from a criminal charge by a formal verdict of not guilty.
"After deliberating for three days, the jury voted to acquit the defendant of all charges."
To conduct oneself or perform in a specified way, especially with respect to a challenging duty or responsibility (used reflexively).
"Despite her lack of tournament experience, the young chess player acquitted herself admirably against the grandmaster."
To pay off, settle, or discharge a debt, obligation, or claim (archaic or formal).
"He worked tirelessly for several years to acquit the financial obligations left behind by his late father's estate."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used in the sense of conducting oneself or performing a duty, "acquit" is strictly reflexive and requires a reflexive pronoun (e.g., "she acquitted herself well").
• Rhymes for acquit
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French acquiter ("to settle a debt or claim"), derived from Medieval Latin acquietare, from Latin ad- ("to") and quietare ("to make quiet or clear").