innocence
innocence Lexical Profile
innocence Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The state, quality, or fact of being free from legal or moral guilt for a specific crime or offense.
"The defense attorney presented DNA evidence that conclusively proved the defendant's innocence."
Moral purity, simplicity, or freedom from sin, corruption, or malice.
"The novel explores how the harsh realities of war shattered the youthful innocence of an entire generation."
Lack of worldly experience, sophistication, or guile; childlike simplicity or naivety.
"Because of his sheltered upbringing, he approached the competitive business world with a surprising degree of innocence."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century via Old French from Latin innocentia ('harmlessness, blamelessness, integrity'), derived from innocens ('harmless, guiltless'), composed of in- ('not') and nocere ('to harm or injure').