ADJ

earlier, previous
spent
You are not obliged to acknowledge spent convictions
successful
unsafe, wrongful
The men's convictions were declared unsafe
criminal
manslaughter, murder, etc.

VERB + CONVICTION

have
He has three previous criminal convictions
lead to
A reward is offered for information leading to the conviction of the attacker
obtain, secure
They need strong evidence to secure a conviction
escape
He believes that too many defendants are escaping conviction by claiming that they are insane
appeal against
He appealed against his conviction for murder
overturn, quash
uphold

CONVICTION + NOUN

rate
The conviction rate for rape is extremely low

PREP

on ~
an offence which carries, on conviction, a sentence of not more than five years' imprisonment
~ against
The appeal court overturned the conviction against her
~ for
a conviction for murder

PHRASES

the rate of conviction

ADJ

absolute, complete, total, unshakeable, utter
deep, deeply held, fervent, firm, fundamental, great, intense, passionate, real, strong
It is the firm conviction of the governors that this child should not be admitted to the school. There was no great conviction in his voice
growing
personal
inner
ideological, moral, political, religious
Catholic, Christian, etc.

VERB + CONVICTION

have
She had this absolute conviction that what she liked others would like
share
The ex-leaders share a deep conviction that their views on world matters are still vitally important
express
shake
Nothing could shake her conviction that 'abroad' was a dangerous place
strengthen
carry
Her explanation failed to carry conviction in the face of the facts
lack
Her arguments lacked conviction

CONVICTION + NOUN

politics
The demise of consensus and the rise of conviction politics

PREP

with/without ~
'Not true!' she said with conviction
~ about
He had a strong personal conviction about the power of the printed word

PHRASES

have the courage of your convictions (= to be brave enough to do what you feel to be right)