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guiltless

[gilt-lis]
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adjective
  1. free from guilt; innocent.
  2. having no knowledge or experience; innocent (usually followed by of).
  3. destitute or devoid (usually followed by of): a house guiltless of any charm.
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Origin of guiltless

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; see origin at guilt, -less
Related formsguilt·less·ly, adverbguilt·less·ness, noun

Synonyms

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1. See innocent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

innocent, clean, clear, exemplary, faultless, free, good, immaculate, impeccable, inculpable, irreproachable, pure, righteous, sinless, spotless, unimpeachable, unsullied, untarnished, virtuous, untainted

Examples from the Web for guiltless

Historical Examples

  • He felt morally bound to get it repaired, though he was guiltless of the damage.

    Brave and Bold

    Horatio Alger

  • If it is true that "offences come only from the heart," before you I am guiltless.

  • He is guiltless in the eye of the world, and that at least should plead for him.

    A Son of Hagar

    Sir Hall Caine

  • It was only the old, old situation: the guiltless one must suffer for the guilty.

    The Dominant Strain

    Anna Chapin Ray

  • Their souls are guiltless of hypocrisy—for whatever that may avail them.

British Dictionary definitions for guiltless

guiltless

adjective
  1. free of all responsibility for wrongdoing or crime; innocent
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Derived Formsguiltlessly, adverbguiltlessness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for guiltless

adj.

late Old English gyltleas; see guilt (n.) + -less. Related: Guiltlessly; guiltlessness.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper