Intent Definition

ĭn-tĕnt
noun
An act or instance of intending.
Webster's New World
Something intended.
Webster's New World
The state of mind necessary for an act to constitute a crime.
American Heritage
One's mental attitude, including purpose, will, determination, etc., at the time of doing an act.
Webster's New World
The perpetrator’s frame of mind in committing an criminal act.
Webster's New World Law
adjective
Firmly directed or fixed; earnest; intense.
An intent look.
Webster's New World
Having the mind or attention firmly directed or fixed; engrossed.
Intent on his studies.
Webster's New World
Having the attention applied; engrossed.
The students, intent upon their books, did not hear me enter the room.
American Heritage
Strongly resolved.
Intent on going.
Webster's New World
Having the mind and will focused on a specific purpose.
Was intent on leaving within the hour; are intent upon being recognized.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Intent

Noun

Singular:
intent
Plural:
intents

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Intent

  • for
  • for (or to) all intents and purposes

Origin of Intent

  • Middle English entent from Old French from Medieval Latin intentus from Latin an extending from intentus attentive to, strained from past participle of intendere to direct attention intend

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Existing since Middle English, from Old French entent or entente, ultimately from Latin intendere.

    From Wiktionary

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