Intention definition

1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness. "Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea." (Locke)

2. A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to new York. "Hell is paved with good intentions." (Johnson)

3. The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim. "In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts." (Arbuthnot)

4. The state of being strained. See Intension.

5. <logic> Any mental apprehension of an object.

6. <medicine> First intention, to unite after suppuration.

Synonyms: Design, purpose, object, aim, intent, drift, purport, meaning. See Design.

Origin: F. Intention, L. Intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension.

(01 Mar 1998)