prepense

adjective

pre·​pense pri-ˈpen(t)s How to pronounce prepense (audio)
: planned beforehand : premeditated
usually used postpositively
malice prepense
prepensely adverb

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration from earlier purpensed, from Middle English, past participle of purpensen to deliberate, premeditate, from Anglo-French purpenser, from pur- thoroughly + penser to think — more at purchase entry 1, pensive

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepense was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near prepense

Cite this Entry

“Prepense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepense. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prepense

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!