1 innocence | Definition of innocence
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innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence | \ ˈi-nə-sən(t)s How to pronounce innocence (audio) \

Definition of innocence

1a : freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : blamelessness
b : chastity
c : freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense
d(1) : freedom from guile or cunning : simplicity
(2) : lack of worldly experience or sophistication
e : lack of knowledge : ignorance written in entire innocence of the Italian language— E. R. Bentley
2 : one that is innocent
3 : bluet
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about innocence

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Examples of innocence in a Sentence

He vows that he will prove his innocence in court. the trusting innocence of childhood
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Over the Rainbow’ is superbly played by Zellweger as part stream-of-consciousness confessional, part return-to-innocence reset; rarely since its original Wizard of Oz incarnation has the old chestnut been so stirringly used on screen. — Joey Nolfi, EW.com, "Judy, Uncut Gems, Ford v Ferrari reviews stoke Oscar fire at Telluride," 31 Aug. 2019 These abusers are like the Old Testament god Molech, lying in wait with a rapacious hunger for the sacrifice of both children’s innocence and their trust in God. — Susan Codone, Twin Cities, "Susan Codone: Protestants must step up efforts to stop sexual abuse in churches," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'innocence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of innocence

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for innocence

innocence

noun
How to pronounce innocence (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of innocence

: the state of being not guilty of a crime or other wrong act
: lack of experience with the world and with the bad things that happen in life
somewhat formal : lack of knowledge about something

See the full definition for innocence in the English Language Learners Dictionary

innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence | \ ˈi-nə-səns How to pronounce innocence (audio) \

Kids Definition of innocence

: the quality or state of being free from sin or guilt The evidence proved his innocence.

innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence | \ ˈi-nə-səns How to pronounce innocence (audio) \

Legal Definition of innocence

: freedom from fault or guilt under the law: as
a : the state of not being guilty of a particular crime or offense — compare guilt
b : the state of not being guilty of an act that constitutes a ground for divorce
c : ignorance on the part of a party to a transaction of facts that would lead a person of ordinary prudence to make inquiries

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More from Merriam-Webster on innocence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for innocence

Spanish Central: Translation of innocence

Nglish: Translation of innocence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of innocence for Arabic Speakers

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