innocence

[ in-uh-suhns ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being innocent; freedom from sin or moral wrong.
2. freedom from legal or specific wrong; guiltlessness:

   The prisoner proved his innocence.

3. simplicity; absence of guile or cunning; naiveté.
4. lack of knowledge or understanding.
5. harmlessness; innocuousness.
6. chastity.
7. an innocent person or thing.
8. bluet ( def 1 ).
9. blue-eyed Mary.

innocence

/ ˈɪnəsəns /

noun

1. the quality or state of being innocent Archaic wordinnocencyˈɪnəsənsɪ

Other Words From

• super·inno·cence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of innocence¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word innocentia. See innocent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of innocence¹

C14: from Latin innocentia harmlessness, from innocēns doing no harm, blameless, from in- ¹+ nocēns harming, from nocēre to hurt, harm; see noxious

Example Sentences

“I wanted her to look almost like a cherished doll, with cream or white bases to underscore her innocence.”

From Los Angeles Times

Trump maintained his innocence, denied that the affair ever occurred and alleged the case was a form of political persecution.

From BBC

Charles, who maintained his innocence, was later released with the help of a different attorney.

From Los Angeles Times

“We ask the public to respect the presumption of innocence and to refrain from speculation as we work to gather all relevant facts.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It tore some of my innocence out sending those photos," she added.

From BBC