1. people who are not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
Usage: plural form
2. people who are naive, inexperienced, or lacking knowledge of evil or wrongdoing
Usage: plural form
3. young children, especially those who are pure or blameless
Usage: plural form; often religious context

Examples

• The bombing killed many innocents who had nothing to do with the conflict.
• We must protect the innocents from harm.
• The scam targeted innocents who trusted too easily.
• She felt responsible for leading the innocents into danger.
• The massacre of the innocents shocked the entire community.
• These innocents have never experienced such cruelty before.
• The charity works to help innocents caught in war zones.