against one's will

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 Paul, Eden

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023