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conviction

/kənˈvɪkʃən/
/kənˈvɪkʃən/
IPA guide

Other forms: convictions

A conviction is something certain: a judgment of guilty in court and a strong belief are both convictions.

In the legal world, when a judge or jury convicts someone of a crime — finding them guilty — this is called a conviction. Prosecutors try to get convictions, and defense attorneys try to prevent them. Also, convictions are beliefs — principles. The United States was founded on many convictions, such as the belief in free speech and separation of church and state. When you have a conviction, you're certain of something.

Definitions of conviction
  1. noun
    an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
    see moresee less
    types:
    amateurism
    the conviction that people should participate in sports as a hobby (for the fun of it) rather than for money
    type of:
    belief
    any cognitive content held as true
  2. noun
    (criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed
    “the conviction came as no surprise”
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    acquittal
    a judgment of not guilty
    types:
    murder conviction
    conviction for murder
    rape conviction
    conviction for rape
    robbery conviction
    conviction for robbery
    type of:
    final decision, final judgment
    a judgment disposing of the case before the court; after the judgment (or an appeal from it) is rendered all that remains is to enforce the judgment
Pronunciation
US
/kənˈvɪkʃən/
UK
/kənˈvɪkʃən/
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