'lethal intent'

[parsley1]

Hello everyone,
Could you please tell me your idea about the meaning of 'lethal intent'? (I think its meaning is beyond simply 'determination to be harmful or kill...').

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, parsley1.

In what context have you seen this phrase?

 

[parsley1]

Thank you.
It seems at the 'pathology/psychology' field.

 

[Tarheel]

No, I am pretty sure that is not what Rover meant. Here is an example of context.

When he entered the room his lethal intent was clear. He held the gun in his hand. He was prepared to use it.

 

[parsley1]

Thank you Tarheel.
Your example is related to a living creature but what about an object or abstract?

 

[parsley1]

I mean what it means when we use it (for example) about methods or drugs (and as a phrase and not a sentence) or even as an independent name (i.e the name of a book,movie,...).

 

[Tdol]

Your example is related to a living creature but what about an object or abstract?

I wouldn't say that someone who who wanted to smash a table had lethal intent. Something generally, but not always, has to be alive to try to kill it.

 

[parsley1]

I wouldn't say that someone who who wanted to smash a table had lethal intent. Something generally, but not always, has to be alive to try to kill it.

You're right. But in my examples the objects are subject!
and it seems that the 'not always' that you mentioned is right here!

 

[parsley1]

And only living things can have any form of intent.

Then you mean using 'lethal intent'
for not living objects is incorrect? (in all instances)

 

[parsley1]

Thank you all guys. All replies helped me a lot to reach a satisfactory point.
As you said 'lethal intent' is generally subjective.
What I was meaning is 'mortality', that's generally objective.

 

[Tdol]

We distinguish murder from manslaughter by the mens rea, the intention to harm or kill in the former case.

 

[parsley1]

As I said my problem is solved!
Soon, I'll need your help for many other questions!
Thank you again for your participation and answers ...

 

[Rover_KE]

Don't forget to give us complete sentences to consider.