Determined and purposeful state of mind accompanying an act. While motive (inducement, reason, or willful desire) is usually not a deciding factor in determination of guilt, an intent that designs or manipulates means to achieve a foreseen unlawful end always is. Intent implies inevitability of a consequence, a natural or probable consequence is not considered intent in law. Often used interchangeably with 'intention.' See also mens rea.
Use intent in a sentence