innocents
n. plural-only C1 Advanced US //ˈɪnəsənts// UK //ˈɪnəsənts// in·no·cents
n. people who are not guilty of a crime or who have no experience with the bad things in the world. It often refers to children or civilians caught in a war.
n. people who are free from guilt, sin, or moral wrong; specifically, non-combatants or children affected by conflict.
The war caused the deaths of many innocents.
The charity works tirelessly to protect the innocents who are caught in the crossfire of the regional conflict.
History often judges a society by how it treats its most vulnerable members, particularly the innocents who lack the power to defend themselves against systemic injustice.
Usage
Typically used in the plural to refer to a group of people; takes plural verb agreement.