In"no*cence (?), n. [F. innocence, L. innocentia. See Innocent.] 1. The state or quality of being innocent; freedom from that which is harmful or infurious; harmlessness.

2. The state or quality of being morally free from guilt or sin; purity of heart; blamelessness.

The silence often of pure innocence
Persuades when speaking fails.

Banished from man's life his happiest life,
Simplicity and spotless innocence!

3. The state or quality of being not chargeable for, or guilty of, a particular crime or offense; as, the innocence of the prisoner was clearly shown.

4. Simplicity or plainness, bordering on weakness or silliness; artlessness; ingenuousness. Chaucer. Shak.

Syn. -- Harmlessness; innocuousness; blamelessness; purity; sinlessness; guiltlessness.

• Absence of responsibility for a crime.
        Her attorney managed to convince the jury of her innocence.
  
• Lack of understanding about sensitive subjects such as sexuality and crime.
        In his innocence, he offered the stranger to bring the package to Paris, never suspecting it contained drugs.
  
• Lack of ability or intention to harm or damage.
        Tests have demonstrated the innocence of this substance.