different between execution vs acquittal

English

Etymology

From Old French execution (c.1360), from Latin exsecuti?, an agent noun from exsequor (“to follow out”), from ex (“out”) + sequor (“follow”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ek.s??kju?.??n/

Noun

execution (countable and uncountable, plural executions)

1. The act, manner or style of executing (actions, maneuvers, performances).
2. The state of being accomplished.

3. The act of putting to death or being put to death as a penalty, or actions so associated.
4. (law) The carrying into effect of a court judgment, or of a will.
5. (law) The formal process by which a contract is made valid and put into binding effect.
6. (computing) The carrying out of an instruction, program or program segment by a computer.

   The entire machine slowed down during the execution of the virus checker.

Hyponyms

• (penalty of death): crucifixion, electrocution, hanging, lethal injection

Derived terms

• execution-style
• posthumous execution
• summary execution

Related terms

• execute
• executioner
• executive
• executor

Translations

Further reading

• execution in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• execution in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Middle French

Etymology

From Latin exec?ti?, an agent noun from exsequor (“follow out”), itself from ex + sequor (“follow”).

Noun

execution f (plural executions)

1. execution (act of putting to death or being put to death as a penalty, or actions so associated)

Descendants

• French exécution

Old French

Etymology

From Latin exec?ti?, an agent noun from exsequor (“follow out”), itself from ex + sequor (“follow”).

Noun

execution f (oblique plural executions, nominative singular execution, nominative plural executions)

1. execution (act of putting to death or being put to death as a penalty, or actions so associated)

Descendants

• ? English: execution
• French exécution

English

Etymology

From acquit +? -al.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??kw?.t(?)l/
• (US) IPA^(key): /??kw?.d(?)l/

Noun

acquittal (countable and uncountable, plural acquittals)

1. (now rare) The act of fulfilling the duties (of a given role, obligation etc.). [from 15th c.]
2. (law) A legal decision that someone is not guilty with which they have been charged, or the formal dismissal of a charge by some other legal process. [from 15th c.]
3. Payment of a debt or other obligation; reparations, amends. [from 15th c.]
4. (historical) The act of releasing someone from debt or other obligation; acquittance. [from 15th c.]
5. (rare) Avoidance of danger; deliverance. [from 17th c.]

Alternative forms

• acquital (obsolete)

Antonyms

• conviction
• condemnation

Related terms

• acquit

Translations