What does premeditation mean?
Premeditation is the deliberate planning of an action before it happens, with the implication that the person has considered the act in advance rather than acting on an impulse. In ordinary contexts it can describe careful preparation for any undertaking, though it often carries a negative or suspicious tone because the word is strongly associated with criminal intent. In legal language, premeditation means the mental state of having formed an intent to commit an offence before carrying it out; its exact legal significance varies by jurisdiction and may affect how an offence is charged or punished. The term is especially useful when discussing responsibility because it distinguishes a considered plan from a spontaneous reaction. “Premeditated” therefore implies prior planning, while “premeditation” names the planning itself. Understanding the word helps sharpen descriptions of motive, timing, and intent, and explains why courts and commentators ask whether an act was calculated in advance.
nounThe act of planning or considering something in advance, especially with the intention of carrying it out; in law, the mental state of having formed an intent to commit an offence before acting.
- The act of planning or considering something in advance.
- In law, the mental state of having formed an intent to commit an offence before carrying it out.
"The court found that the attack was carried out with premeditation rather than in a moment of sudden anger."
"The company's decision to expand abroad was the result of considerable premeditation."
"Prosecutors argued that the theft had been committed with premeditation."
The plural is grammatically correct but comparatively rare; singular usage is more common.
"The report described several premeditations behind the scheme."
Premeditation turns a sudden impulse into a story with a beginning: the deliberate thought that comes first.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does premeditation come from?
The English word dates from the late sixteenth century and was borrowed through French from a Latin form based on praemeditari, meaning to think over beforehand. Latin prae- means “before,” and meditari means “to consider” or “to ponder.” The same Latin root underlies meditate and meditation, and related cognates include French préméditation and Spanish premeditación.
Related word forms
How premeditation is actually used
Premeditation is a formal term with a serious or negative connotation in general use, and it is especially common in legal and criminal contexts. The legal meaning and consequences vary by jurisdiction.
Easily confused with premeditation
Preparation refers to arranging or making ready for a task, whereas premeditation emphasizes prior planning with a particular intended action.