innocence
Americannoun
-
the quality or state of being innocent; freedom from sin or moral wrong.
-
freedom from legal or specific wrong; guiltlessness.
The prisoner proved his innocence.
-
simplicity; absence of guile or cunning; naiveté.
-
lack of knowledge or understanding.
-
harmlessness; innocuousness.
-
an innocent person or thing.
noun
Other Word Forms
- superinnocence noun
Etymology
Origin of innocence
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word innocentia. See innocent, -ence
Explanation
Innocence means you’ve done nothing wrong. You’ve broken no laws, committed no sins, and are not guilty of any morally evil act. Well done. In a courtroom, a defendant might announce their innocence, claiming they did not commit whatever crime they’re accused of. Innocence is very important in many religions, where your moral purity decides what happens to your soul after you die. The word comes from the Latin innocentia, which means “not harming” and someone with innocence will not harm themselves or others, at least not on purpose. Remember that there are no ss in innocence, so spell it with two cs.
Vocabulary lists containing innocence
"Marigolds"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Bronx Masquerade
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Twelve Angry Men
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Twin Peaks was both a place haunted by violence and a nostalgic fantasy of small-town innocence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
Ramsey's story is one of youthful innocence shaped by harsh experience; beauty forged in pain.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
Roberts-Smith has maintained his innocence throughout, launching a multi-million-dollar legal suit against the newspapers that first reported on the allegations.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
The 10 songs on “The Line of Time and the Plane of Now” — each recorded in only one take — mix folk, soul and jazz, radiating innocence.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
“Now hold on, son,” Moore said, raising his hands in a gesture of innocence.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
