Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - conviction

~ n 1 a very strong belief or opinion  (a woman of strong political convictions) 2 the feeling of being sure about something and having no doubts  (The speech lacked style and conviction. | "Maybe it was all a mistake," said Tom, without conviction. | carry conviction (=show that someone feels sure about something and has no doubts))  (Their shouts and threats carried little conviction.) 3 a decision in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime  (They had no previous convictions.) + for  (This was her third conviction for theft.) 4 the process of proving that someone is guilty in a court of law  (The trial and conviction of Jimmy Malone took over three months.)  (- opposite acquittal, - see also have the courage of your convictions courage (2))