self-will

American  

[self-wil, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈwɪl, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. stubborn or obstinate willfulness, as in pursuing one's own wishes, aims, etc.

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self-will British  

noun

1. stubborn adherence to one's own will, desires, etc, esp at the expense of others

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Other Word Forms

• self-willed adjective
• self-willedly adverb
• self-willedness noun

Etymology

Origin of self-will

before 900; Middle English: one's own will, stubbornness; Old English: one's own will; self, will ²

Example Sentences

“My self-will had to be abandoned because my self-will was killing me,” Irsay said.

From Seattle Times

A rhythmic kick accompanies this brash takeover of youth and self-will.

From Washington Post

It also evokes the determination, the self-will, of countless immigrants who have chosen to make and call America their home.

From Los Angeles Times

When more patience and restraint could have prevented so much suffering, we've instead been mired in conspiracy theories and old fashioned self-will.

From Salon

"This is the right and the self-will of the people of Afghanistan. It could be included in the agenda of the intra-Afghan talks, but cannot be a prerequisite for talks."

From BBC