conviction

Noun

conviction (countable and uncountable, plural convictions)

1. (countable) A firmly held belief.
   • "...I imagined...that the husband of the lady might very easily be in Russia while his wife's health might necessitate her wintering in Egypt..." "But my mother thinks not. My mother thinks there is not a husband at all,—that there never was a husband. In fact my mother has very strong convictions...1897, Marie Corelli, “Chapter I”, in Ziska: The Problem of a Wicked Soul, New York: Stone & Kimball, page 27
   • It is of the nature of the intellectual's job that he must use his own knowledge and convictions in performing his daily task.1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 421

   Synonyms:

   resolution

2. (countable) A judgement of guilt in a court of law.
   • He said Robins had not been in trouble with the law before and had no previous convictions. Jail would have an adverse effect on her and her three children as she was the main carer.2011 December 14, Steven Morris, “Devon woman jailed for 168 days for killing kitten in microwave”, in Guardian

   Synonyms:

   condemnation, judgement

3. (uncountable) The state of being wholly convinced.
   • Analogies are used in aid of Conviction: Metaphors, as means of Illustration.1825, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Aphorisms on that which is indeed spiritual religion”, in Aids to Reflection, page 198
   • The visitors were being pinned back by the end of the first half. Yet Gordon Strachan's side played with great conviction and always had a chance of springing a surprise when their opponents were so susceptible at the back.2013 August 14, Daniel Taylor, The Guardian

   Synonyms:

   convincement

4. (uncountable) The state of being found or proved guilty.
   • From G. R. Ratts , Game Warden , fines collected on conviction of violation of State game law .1902, Illinois. Auditor's Office, Report of the Auditor of Public Accounts, page 6
   • I do not know of any Federal statute which carries with it forfeiture of citizenship or civil rights except this one that we are discussing, which is conviction of desertion committed in time of war and conviction of treason.1943, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Immigration and Naturalization, Loss of Nationality and Citizenship Because of Conviction of Desertion from The Armed Forces, page 6

   Synonyms:

   condemnation