intent

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noun in·tent \in-ˈtent\

Definition of intent

1a : the act or fact of intending : purpose; especially : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act admitted wounding him with intentb : the state of mind with which an act is done : volition
2 : a usually clearly formulated or planned intention : aim the director's intent
3a : meaning, significanceb : connotation 3

See intent defined for English-language learners

See intent defined for kids

Examples of intent in a Sentence

She thinks I'm trying to make things difficult for her, but that's not my intent.
The intent of the law is to protect consumers.
He was charged with assault with intent to kill.

Recent Examples of intent from the Web

The scenario revolves around an incursion into NATO territory by a militarily advanced enemy intent on seizing the economic assets of Black Sea countries.

— chicagotribune.com, "NATO, Russian troops rattle swords along hundreds of miles of borderland," 19 July 2017
Veeder’s intent, however, was not to launch yet another homespun beauty line in an already saturated market.

— vanityfair.com, "Beauty Buzz: Botanical Skincare Brand Farmacy Dips into Honey," 14 July 2017
Johnny Bolden, 58, of the 2700 block of Forge Hill Road, was charged Tuesday with first- and second-degree assault, possession of a deadly weapon with intent to injure, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of concealing a deadly weapon.

— The Aegis, "Police blotter: From Aberdeen to Fallston to Street," 14 July 2017
The application also requires letters of reference, resume, transcripts, letter of intent, writing sample and a $40 application fee.

— erika rose, Post-Tribune, "IUN to offer accelerated master's degree in public affairs," 13 July 2017
Termaine D. Brown, 34, of the 2000 block of Foxpointe Drive, has been charged with felony counterfeiting or possession of a counterfeit credit or debit card with the intent to defraud.

— bill bird, Naperville Sun, "Man had 47 counterfeit credit cards during Naperville stop, police say," 11 July 2017
Prosecutors announced in May their intent to pursue the death penalty for Rhodes.

— matthew glowicki, The Courier-Journal, "Second defendant in Brice Rhodes murder case takes plea deal," 5 July 2017
Riley said in April his intent was to bring Haslem, the team captain, back this summer after the Heat was done recruiting free agents and filling its roster.

— manny navarro, miamiherald, "What did Heat do for captain Udonis Haslem on the first day of free agency? You must see it for yourself," 2 July 2017
In a certified letter informing the EPA of their intent to sue, the groups argue the Agency has two years after rejecting a state implementation plan to enforce an alternative plan under the Clean Air Act.

— trisha powell crain, AL.com, "Find free summer meals for children 18 and under," 1 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of intent

Middle English entente, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin intentus, from Latin, act of stretching out, from intendere

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First Known Use: 13th century

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Synonym Discussion of intent

intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. announced his intention to marry intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. the clear intent of the statute purpose suggests a more settled determination. being successful was her purpose in life design implies a more carefully calculated plan. the order of events came by accident, not design aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. her aim was to raise film to an art form end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such. willing to use any means to achieve his end object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. his constant object was the achievement of pleasure objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. their objective is to seize the oil fields goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. worked years to reach her goals

intent

adjective in·tent

Definition of intent

1 : directed with strained or eager attention : concentrated
2 : having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose intent on their work

intently

adverb

intentness

noun

See intent defined for English-language learners

Examples of intent in a Sentence

intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show
he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark

Origin and Etymology of intent

Latin intentus, from past participle of intendere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

INTENT Defined for English Language Learners

intent

play

noun

Definition of intent for English Language Learners

: the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

intent

adjective

Definition of intent for English Language Learners

: showing concentration or great attention

INTENT Defined for Kids

intent

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noun in·tent \in-ˈtent\

Definition of intent for Students

1 : what someone plans to do or accomplish : purpose Upsetting her was not my intent.
2 : meaning 2 What is the author's intent?

intent

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adjective in·tent

Definition of intent for Students

1 : showing concentration or great attention an intent gaze
2 : showing great determination They were intent on going.

intently

adverb I listened intently.

Law Dictionary

intent

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noun in·tent \in-ˈtent\

Legal Definition of intent

1 : the act or fact of intending: as a : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act —called also criminal intent — compare knowledge, mens rea, motive, negligence b : the purpose to commit a tortious act having consequences that the actor desires and believes or knows will occur constructive intent : intent that is inferred to exist (as from willfulness or recklessness) in relation to an act criminal intent : intent 1a general intent : intent to perform an illegal act without the desire for further consequences or a precise result there was a general intent to assault but not to kill specific intent : intent to perform an illegal act with the knowledge or purpose that particular results will or may ensue assaulted him with specific intent to kill transferred intent 1 : intent attributed to a person who intends to cause another harm when the harm is accidentally inflicted on an unintended victim 2 : a doctrine in tort and criminal law: a wrongdoer who causes harm to a person other than the one intended may nevertheless be held to have intended the harmful result
2a : intendment — see also legislative intent b : the purpose of a document (as a contract or will) c : the aim or goal of a person in creating a document or taking an action the court's attempt to fulfill the donor's intent the intent of the contracting parties implied by their language — see also original intent

with intent

: with the intent to commit another sometimes specified crime entered the apartment with intent to commit theft therein a drug dealer charged with possession with intent