Legal Definitions - clear

clear, adj.

1. Free from any burdens or claims.
2. Free from any doubts; certain.
3. Easy to understand; not confusing.

clear, vb.

1. To declare someone innocent or not guilty of a crime.
2. (Of a bank) to pay a check or draft from the funds held on behalf of the maker.
3. (Of a check or draft) to be paid by the bank from the funds held on behalf of the maker.
4. To settle customs, harbor dues, etc. and obtain official permission to leave the port (in maritime law).

Adjective:

• After paying off all his debts, John's credit report was clear of any encumbrances.
• The weather forecast was clear, so we decided to go on a picnic.
• The instructions were clear and easy to follow.

Verb:

• The suspect was cleared of all charges after the police found evidence of his innocence.
• The bank cleared the check and transferred the money to the recipient's account.
• The check cleared yesterday, so the money is now available in my account.
• The ship had to clear customs before it could leave the port.

These examples illustrate the different meanings of the word "clear." In the adjective form, it means free from any burdens or doubts and easy to understand. In the verb form, it means to declare someone innocent, to pay a check or draft, to settle customs, or to obtain official permission to leave the port.