volition

noun

vo·​li·​tion vō-ˈli-shən 

və-

1

: the power of choosing or determining : will

2

: an act of making a choice or decision

also : a choice or decision made

volitional

vō-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəl

 

və-

adjective

Did you know?

When you do something of your own volition, you do it voluntarily, which makes sense—both volition and voluntary ultimately come from the Latin velle, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” English speakers borrowed volition from French in the 17th century, using it at first to mean “an act of choosing,” a meaning Herman Melville employed in Moby-Dick (1851): “Almost simultaneously, with a mighty volition of ungraduated, instantaneous swiftness, the White Whale darted through the weltering sea.” By then, however, the word had also developed an additional meaning, “the power to choose,” which is now more common.

Synonyms

• accord
• autonomy
• choice
• free will
• self-determination
• will

Examples of volition in a Sentence

Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent tics and vocalizations that are beyond the sufferer's volition or control.

left the church of her own volition, not because she was excommunicated

Recent Examples on the Web

Gunn began work on the show entirely of his own volition after the success of his other DC series, Peacemaker. —Eric Francisco, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2024

Populist leaders, by contrast, succeed by espousing the politics of volition over that of necessity. —Edoardo Campanella, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2024

The bank also found in its survey that those closing credit accounts of their own volition hit a record low for the series, while those being cut off by lenders hit a series high. —Michael S. Derby, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024

After more than two hours of trying to get the man to come out, including using stun grenades, the burglar eventually emerged of his own volition at about 2:30 p.m., and police took him into custody. —Skye Seipp, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Medieval Latin volition-, volitio, from Latin vol- (stem of velle to will, wish) + -ition-, -itio (as in Latin position-, positio position) — more at will

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing volition

• of one's own volition

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Kids Definition

volition

noun

vo·​li·​tion vō-ˈlish-ən 

və-

: the act or power of making one's choices or decisions : will

they do not do this of their own volition

volitional

-ˈlish-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

volition

noun

vo·​li·​tion vō-ˈlish-ən, və- 

1

: an act of making a choice or decision

also : a choice or decision made

2

: the power of choosing or determining