willpower

American  

[wil-poh-er] / ˈwɪlˌpoʊ ər /

Or will power

noun

1. control of one's impulses and actions; self-control.

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willpower British  

/ ˈwɪlˌpaʊə /

noun

1. the ability to control oneself and determine one's actions

2. firmness of will

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Etymology

Origin of willpower

First recorded in 1870–75; will ² ( def. ) + power ( def. )

Explanation

Willpower is the ability to control or restrain yourself. If you bake brownies and can keep yourself from tasting them until after dinner, you can thank your willpower. A less descriptive — but simpler — way to say willpower is simply will. Whichever word you prefer, you can use it to describe someone's deliberate or purposeful control. In the case of willpower, the person is likely to be resisting a temptation or impulse. It takes willpower not to argue with someone whose opinions make you angry, and willpower to eat just one potato chip.

Example Sentences

“This statue is a celebration of life. It is a symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, strength, and the willpower to keep fighting for the future of America.”

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

The abundance of E. coli, Coprococcus comes, and Eubacterium hallii was negatively associated with activity in the brain's left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, a region involved in executive function and willpower during weight loss.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Only someone who says he was reborn in the inferno of the Palisades fire could possess the clarity and willpower needed to bring salvation to an accursed land, they argue.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

It’s much easier to stock a supportive fridge, prep a few flexible building blocks and make healthy food genuinely delicious than it is to rely solely on willpower.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

I’m amazed he had the willpower not to eat them all.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

• firmness
• grit
• self-control
• self-discipline