Definition of make for

The phrase "make for" is a phrasal verb that originated in the late 16th century in English. It's composed of two parts: the verb "make" and the preposition "for". At its core, "make" has multiple meanings, and one of them signifies to cause something to happen or come into existence. "For" is used to show the purpose or destination. When the two parts come together in "make for", it points towards motion, implying something or someone is moving towards a particular destination or outcome. Unlike "go for" which implies an intention, "make for" signifies the motion and direction of the action, rather than the intention. Therefore, "make for" essentially means to head, move, or travel towards a location or situation. Its earliest recorded use was in the 1580s when the famous English writer William Shakespeare used it in his play "As You Like It". Since then, "make for" has remained an accepted part of the English language, representing a clear and concise way to express the idea of someone or something moving onwards towards a goal or desired outcome.