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Intention

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. (Science: logic) Any mental apprehension of an object.

6. (Science: medicine) first intention, to unite after suppuration.

Synonym: design, purpose, object, aim, intent, drift, purport, meaning. See design.

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