willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges

Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.

—James Atlas

I'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.

—Patricia Hampl

also : strong determination that allows one to do something difficult

He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone.

—Bruce Crumley

Synonyms

• continence
• restraint
• self-command
• self-containment
• self-control
• self-discipline
• self-government
• self-mastery
• self-possession
• self-restraint
• will

Examples of willpower in a Sentence

The dessert buffet tested my willpower.

He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.

Recent Examples on the Web

But chronic illness doesn’t respond to sheer willpower. —Alana Kaufman, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

The big picture: In the last few years a sea change has occurred in how obesity is understood, with the focus shifting away from personal willpower toward seeing obesity as a disease. —Mike Allen, Axios, 4 Oct. 2024

This is exhausting and requires willpower that’s hard to sustain. —Shane Enete, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Andrews said Friday night’s victory shows what happens when a team collectively accepts a challenge and has strong willpower. —David Mullen, The Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: strong determination

the temptation tested her willpower