premeditation

Definitions

The action of planning or considering a course of action beforehand.

A conscious decision to commit an act, especially a crime, before it is carried out.

Examples

The prosecutor argued that the crime was committed with clear premeditation and malice.

Without any evidence of premeditation, the judge reduced the charges from first-degree murder to manslaughter.

Synonyms

deliberation forethought planning preconception calculated intent design contemplation

Antonyms

impulsiveness spontaneity improvisation unpremeditated action hastiness lack of planning instinct