wilful
Americanadjective
adjective
-
intent on having one's own way; headstrong or obstinate
-
intentional
wilful murder
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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.
Misconduct in public office is defined by the British Crown Prosecution Service as the “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office” and can result in life imprisonment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
Emily Brontë's gothic tale of passion, obsession and revenge follows the affair between the free-spirited, wilful Cathy and the tortured but cruel Heathcliff.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026
Police Scotland said the blaze was not being treated as wilful at this time.
From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025
US officials at the time accused Binance and Zhao of "wilful violations" of its laws - saying they had threatened the US financial system and national security.
From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025
I think the first possibility is most likely, and four is a strong contender, too, because Megan is an independent, wilful woman, I’m sure of it.
From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
