noun
acquittal
uh-KWIH-tuhl
noun
1
A court decision that a person is not guilty of the crime they were charged with.
"The jury's acquittal came after just two hours of deliberation."
How to Use Acquittal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legal ruling clearing someone of a criminal charge.
Common mistake
Not the same as "innocence" being proven — an acquittal just means the prosecution failed to prove guilt.
Common pairings
secure an acquittal
acquittal on all charges
Word Forms
acquittals plural
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The jury's _____ came after just two hours of deliberation.
Etymology
From "acquit" plus the noun ending "-al."