premeditation
/ˌpriːmɛdɪˈteɪʃn
/ /prɪˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃn/noun [mass noun]
The action of planning something (especially a crime) beforehand; intent: the defendant said there was no planning or premeditation...
- There was an element of premeditation about the incident because the group left the public house as the other group of supporters arrived at the station and attempted to leave the station.
- It should be noted, however, that malice aforethought is a technical term whose meaning implies neither ill-will nor premeditation.
- Digging a grave smacks of premeditation, and premeditation means the act was calculated.
Synonyms
planning, intent, forethought, pre-planning, advance planning, prearrangement, deliberation;
criminal intent, malice aforethought, scheming, plotting;
Law mens rea