self-will

American  

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

noun

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

---

self-will British  

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of self-will

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

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2022

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

From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2022

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 • Sep. 16, 2021

Thus, as Cooley’s film quickens and deepens, we get a fabulous running joke about the “inner voice,” a staple of American self-will since the days of Emerson.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 21, 2019

His conservatism was modified by his self-will and self-confidence, but it assuredly ranked with the leading features of his character—with his piety his egotism and his love of popularity.

From Body, Parentage and Character in History Notes on the Tudor Period by Jordan, Furneaux