against one's will

Idioms  

1. Without one's consent, forcibly, as in The defendant knew he could not be made to testify against his will. Originally one meaning of will was “acquiescence” or “consent,” but this sense survives only in this idiom, which today nearly always implies some use of force. [c. 1400]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

against one's will

It is also because of the daunting prospect of tedium — of being forced against one’s will to do nothing, and of doing nothing ordinarily considered to be useful.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 3, 2018

Rather, it’s seeking recognition of just one right: to not be imprisoned against one’s will.

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2014

If one doesn't buy this premise, doesn't believe full-body scanners are a good bargain, then one is being exposed against one's will.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 22, 2010

There was some suggestion of downward motion, against one’s will and not with the will of anyone else.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Shame is felt in the performance of an action disgusting to others, if against one's will one is watched in the process.

From The Sexual Life of the Child by Eden Paul

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