conviction - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

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.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: conviction

1	n	an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
2	n	(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: conviction

1

n 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

n (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