innocence

American  

[in-uh-suhns] / ˈɪn ə səns /

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.

9. blue-eyed Mary.

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innocence British  

/ ˈɪnəsəns /

noun

1. Archaic word: innocency.  the quality or state of being innocent

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Other Word Forms

• superinnocence noun

Etymology

Origin of innocence

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

Example Sentences

But the Sardinas were completely sincere and Jackman and Hudson honor their innocence by playing them straight.

From Los Angeles Times

Andrew thought he would be celebrating Zoë's 39th birthday on 23 December, quickly followed by the glorious chaos of Christmas with family, friends and their boys' wide-eyed excited innocence.

From BBC

“I have maintained my innocence. I don’t think the city should have been dragged into this proceeding at all,” he said during a council meeting Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Jordy proclaimed his innocence in a video on social media, saying that the police had the "cowardice" to raid his home on his daughter's third birthday.

From Barron's

The glimmering rhythm of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Nowhere to Run” sets the tone as visions of cruise culture innocence aim to make us feel as if we’re on a ride through Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times