in·tent (?n-t?nt?)n.1. Something that is intended; an aim or purpose. See Synonyms at intention.2. Law The state of mind necessary for an act to constitute a crime.adj.1. Firmly fixed; concentrated: an intent gaze.2. Having the attention applied; engrossed: The students, intent upon their books, did not hear me enter the room.3. Having the mind and will focused on a specific purpose: was intent on leaving within the hour; are intent upon being recognized.Idiom: for/to all intents and purposes In every practical sense; practically: To all intents and purposes the case is closed.[Middle English entent, from Old French, from Medieval Latin intentus, from Latin, an extending, from intentus, attentive to, strained, from past participle of intendere, to direct attention; see intend.]in·tent?ly adv.in·tent?ness n.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.