conviction

Universal Words noun 1 [C,U] (for sth) the act of finding sb guilty of a crime in a court of law; the fact of having been found guilty: She has six previous convictions for theft. * He plans to appeal against his conviction. * an offence which carries, on conviction, a sentence of not more than five years' imprisonment 2 [C,U] (that...) a strong opinion or belief: strong political / moral convictions * She was motivated by deep religious conviction. * a conviction that all would be well in the end 3 [U] the feeling or appearance of believing sth strongly and of being sure about it: 'Not true!' she said with conviction. * He said he agreed but his voice lacked conviction. * The leader's speech in defence of the policy didn't carry much conviction. IDIOMS see COURAGE