noun

innocence

IN-uh-suhns/ˈɪnəsns/

Freedom from participation in wrongdoing.

New evidence proves her innocence and clears her name.

Child with clean empty hands stands beside an overturned paint pot while pet cat has paint on paws, clear freedom from blame, no words.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+nocLatinto harm

+enceLatinstate or quality

The underlying idea is ‘not harming’: Latin innocens meant both harmless and blameless. Innocence names that condition of doing no wrong, hence freedom from guilt or blame.

In context

ThinkTech Hawaii20:21

our uh system of justice is based on innocence until guilt is proven

Transforming Society through Liberty

More examples

He maintains his innocence despite the charges against him.
The presumption of innocence protects people accused of crimes.
His sister admits breaking the vase, confirming his innocence.

Forms

innocent adjective — Not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.

Similar words

guiltlessness: Directly emphasizes having no guilt for a particular wrongdoing.
blamelessness: Emphasizes being free from fault or responsibility for harm.