innocence

Universal Words noun [U] 1 the fact of not being guilty of a crime, etc: She protested her innocence (= said repeatedly that she was innocent). * This new evidence will prove their innocence. * I asked if she was married in all innocence (= without knowing it was likely to offend or upset her). OPPGUILT 2 lack of knowledge and experience of the world, especially of evil or unpleasant things: Children lose their innocence as they grow older. * In her innocence, she agreed to go back with him to his house.