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 Word Forms

• 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

In an interview with BBC News last year, she said she is determined to prove her innocence for the sake of her son.

From BBC

"Having spent so much time with him, my perception is that he's completely guileless. He has a lot of warmth and innocence, so I wanted to show that."

From BBC

Speaking outside the court, he maintained his innocence and said he was "committed to filing an appeal and fighting for the truth to be revealed".

From BBC

Mr Cooper said proving his innocence had become all-consuming for both him and his family.

From BBC

Speaking through his lawyer for a prior Times story, Williams strongly maintained his innocence.

From Los Angeles Times