willpower
or will pow·er
[wil-poh-er]
- control of one's impulses and actions; self-control.
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Origin of willpower
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
gritfirmnessself-controlself-disciplinedisciplinestrengthforcedriveself-restraintwillresolveresolutionself-governmentfixityExamples from the Web for willpower
Contemporary Examples
Artists like Marina Abramović have endorsed her performance, applauding her “willpower to stick to something no matter what.”
Experts suggest that we need to think of self-control as a “muscle”; something we can train in order to increase our willpower.
Willpower: Our Greatest Strength?September 11, 2014
According to cold, hard science, willpower is an unlimited resource.
Willpower: Our Greatest Strength?September 11, 2014
Stress is the enemy of willpower, so say the latest findings of neuroscientists, psychologists, and life coaches in the field.
Willpower: Our Greatest Strength?September 11, 2014
Like any other muscle, the more you exercise your willpower, the stronger it becomes.
Historical Examples
His brother Laurence—wasted—all through women—atrophy of willpower!
Five TalesJohn Galsworthy
I'm afraid you pride yourselves on a degree of willpower you never exercised.
MoralLudwig Thoma
The willpower is firm, and is combined with enterprise and perseverance.
Every possible care should be given to the development of the willpower of these children.
Even as a boy, he had a purpose, and willpower enough to carry it out.
Modern AmericansChester Sanford
willpower
- the ability to control oneself and determine one's actions
- firmness of will
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for willpower
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper