aforethought

adjective

afore·​thought ə-ˈfȯr-ˌthȯt How to pronounce aforethought (audio)
Synonyms of aforethoughtnext
: previously in mind : premeditated, deliberate
—used postpositively
Yes, you can wear shorts in the workplace but not without some consideration aforethought. You may ultimately be exposing more than just your knees.— Vanessa Friedman
Anyone who drinks while expecting to drive later is, with indifference aforethought, risking the lives and safety of everyone on the road …— The Buffalo (New York) News
 see also malice aforethought
aforethought noun
… they reached a verdict … finding that he was responsible for the deaths but lacked "aforethought" and intent. — Ryan P. Cruz and Rodrigo Hernandez

Examples of aforethought in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Páez was also convicted of two counts of aggravated homicide, qualified by intent and malice aforethought. — Greg Wehner, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2023 Depraved-indifference murder is not supposed to be a sleight-of-hand that elevates manslaughter to murder, or that effectively turns an unintentional killing into an intentional murder by substituting depraved indifference for malice aforethought. — Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 7 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

afore + thought, past participle of think entry 1, probably as Anglicization of prepense

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aforethought was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing aforethought

Rhymes for aforethought

See All Rhymes for aforethought

Browse Nearby Words

aforesaid
aforethought
aforetime
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Cite this Entry

“Aforethought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aforethought. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

aforethought

adjective
afore·​thought -ˌthȯt How to pronounce aforethought (audio)
: thought of or planned beforehand : premeditated
with malice aforethought

Legal Definition

aforethought

adjective
afore·​thought ə-ˈfōr-ˌthȯt How to pronounce aforethought (audio)
: previously in mind : premeditated

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