conviction

/kənˈvɪkʃən/

/kənˈvɪkʃən/

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
   synonyms: article of faith, strong belief

   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”

   synonyms: condemnation, judgment of conviction, sentence

   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