acquit
UK: əˈkwɪt | US: əˈkwɪt
vt. to declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge
vt. to discharge or fulfill a duty or debt
vt. (reflexive) to behave or conduct oneself in a specified manner
acquit = ac<to, toward> + quit<free, clear>
- ac (prefix): From Latin ad- ("to, toward"), assimilated to ac- before q. Indicates direction or intensification.
- quit (root): From Old French quiter ("to release, clear"), derived from Latin quietus ("free, calm").
Etymology Origin:
The word acquit entered English via Old French aquiter, combining the Latin prefix ad- (as ac-) and quietus ("free"). Originally, it meant "to settle a debt" or "release from obligation," later evolving into the legal sense of "declaring innocence." The root quit retains its core idea of freedom or clearance, seen in related words like quit (to leave) and quiet (calm).
The jury voted to acquit the defendant due to insufficient evidence.
She worked hard to acquit herself well in the new role.
The company must acquit its financial obligations by the end of the quarter.
Despite public pressure, the judge acquitted him of all charges.
He acquitted himself honorably during the crisis.