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

For a multitude of good reasons, the Constitution firmly rejects the legitimacy of determining innocence or guilt by popular referendum, and certainly does not contemplate allowing people accused of crimes to opt out of the criminal legal system by running for and winning elected office.

From Slate

According to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the pitch is that the allegations against Gaetz were already investigated and he was never charged with a crime, whether there’s enough evidence to convince a jury conflated with actual innocence.

From Salon

“This movement to protect the innocence of our children believes if children never read it in a book they won’t have to know about it and can go on to lead harmonious lives. But books teach us cautionary tales. They instruct us. You can’t protect innocence through ignorance.”

From Los Angeles Times

It refused to state an opinion on Roberson’s guilt or innocence.

From Slate

Whether in Texas or elsewhere, one might ask why evidence of innocence is not always enough to save someone’s life.

From Slate