acquit
verb C2
Plain meaning
to officially say that someone is not guilty of a crime
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to officially say that someone is not guilty of a crime, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe team tried to acquit the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should acquit ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
acquit a proposalacquit the issueacquit in practice
Watch out
Do not use “acquit” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
acquittal (noun)acquitted (adjective/verb form)