2
3
a
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
intentness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of intent in a Sentence
Noun
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.
Adjective
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeffrey Edell, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2024
Love is about assuming positive intent and giving your partner the benefit of the doubt.
—Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intent 
Noun
By mandating strict guidelines for data protection, user control and transparency, companies can ensure individuals have the peace of mind of knowing that their personal information is safe from prying eyes and those with nefarious intent.
—Jeffrey Edell, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2024
Love is about assuming positive intent and giving your partner the benefit of the doubt.
—Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to intent
Dictionary Entries Near intent
Cite this Entry
“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intent. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intent
1 of 2 noun
in·tent
in-ˈtent 
1
: purpose sense 1, intention
with intent to injure
2
: meaning entry 1 sense 1a
the intent of the law
intent
2 of 2 adjective1
: directed with strained or eager attention
an intent gaze
2
a
: having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something
b
: set on some end or purpose
intent on going
intently
adverb
intentness
noun
Legal Definition
intent
noun
in·tent
in-ˈtent
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
—
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
: intent attributed to a person who intends to cause another harm when the harm is accidentally inflicted on an unintended victim
: 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
2
a
: 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
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