Definitions for the word "for" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. prep.
In the most general sense, indicating that in consideration of, in view of, or with reference to, which anything is done or takes place.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. prep.
Indicating the antecedent cause or occasion of an action; the motive or inducement accompanying and prompting to an act or state; the reason of anything; that on account of which a thing is or is done.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. prep.
Indicating the remoter and indirect object of an act; the end or final cause with reference to which anything is, acts, serves, or is done.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. prep.
Indicating that in favor of which, or in promoting which, anything is, or is done; hence, in behalf of; in favor of; on the side of; -- opposed to against.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. prep.
Indicating that toward which the action of anything is directed, or the point toward which motion is made; /ntending to go to.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. prep.
Indicating that on place of or instead of which anything acts or serves, or that to which a substitute, an equivalent, a compensation, or the like, is offered or made; instead of, or place of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. prep.
Indicating that in the character of or as being which anything is regarded or treated; to be, or as being.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. prep.
Indicating that instead of which something else controls in the performing of an action, or that in spite of which anything is done, occurs, or is; hence, equivalent to notwithstanding, in spite of; -- generally followed by all, aught, anything, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. prep.
Indicating the space or time through which an action or state extends; hence, during; in or through the space or time of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. prep.
Indicating that in prevention of which, or through fear of which, anything is done.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. conj.
Because; by reason that; for that; indicating, in Old English, the reason of anything.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. conj.
Since; because; introducing a reason of something before advanced, a cause, motive, explanation, justification, or the like, of an action related or a statement made. It is logically nearly equivalent to since, or because, but connects less closely, and is sometimes used as a very general introduction to something suggested by what has gone before.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
One who takes, or that which is said on, the affrimative side; that which is said in favor of some one or something; -- the antithesis of against, and commonly used in connection with it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. prep.
1 in the interest or to the benefit of; intended to go to (did it all for my country; these flowers are for you). 2 in defence, support, or favour of. 3 suitable or appropriate to (a dance for beginners; not for me to say). 4 in respect of or with reference to; regarding (usual for ties to be worn; ready for bed). 5 representing or in place of (mp for lincoln; here for my uncle). 6 in exchange with, at the price of, corresponding to (swapped it for a cake; give me £5 for it; bought it for £5; word for word). 7 as a consequence of (fined for speeding; decorated for bravery; here''s £5 for your trouble). 8 a with a view to; in the hope or quest of; in order to get (go for a walk; send for a doctor; did it for the money). B on account of (could not speak for laughing). 9 to reach; towards (left for rome). 10 so as to start promptly at (meet at seven for eight). 11 through or over (a distance or period); during (walked for miles). 12 as being (for the last time; i for one refuse). 13 in spite of; notwithstanding (for all your fine words). 14 considering or making due allowance in respect of (good for a beginner). conj. Because, since, seeing that. be for it colloq. Be about to be punished etc. For all (that) in spite of, although. For ever for all time (cf. *forever). [old english reduced form of *fore]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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