Innocent

/ˈɪnəsənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is not guilty of a crime; someone who is innocent.
The innocent should not suffer due to the actions of the guilty.
adjective
Not guilty of a crime or offense; having no knowledge of something wrong.
The jury found her innocent of all charges.
Free from moral wrong; lacking in guile or deceit.
He had an innocent demeanor that made people trust him.
Lacking experience or sophistication; naive.
The innocent young girl believed everything she was told.
Not causing harm or damage.
She made an innocent mistake that was easily corrected.

Etymology

From Latin 'innocens', meaning 'not harming, harmless'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

innocent until proven guilty
A legal principle that one is considered innocent unless prove otherwise.
innocent bystander
A person who is uninvolved in an event but is affected by it.
innocent parties
Individuals who are not guilty of wrongdoing.

Related Words

innocence
The state of being innocent; lack of guilt.
innocuous
Not harmful or offensive.
innocently
In a manner that is not harmful or sinful.

Slang Meanings

Goody two-shoes
He always followed the rules so everyone called him a goody two-shoes.
Pure as the driven snow
She acts pure as the driven snow, but we all know she has her secrets.