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

In the age of weight-loss drugs, who needs willpower? —airmail.news, 3 Jan. 2025

While adding Bitcoin to the U.S. Treasury’s balance sheet would require considerable political willpower and congressional approval, the mere suggestion of such an initiative carries profound implications. —Leeor Shimron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

According to a Pew Research Center survey, many Americans don't believe that willpower alone suffices for weight loss maintenance. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Mindset Influence: Practicing breath holds improves your willpower and tolerance for uncertainty. —Joseph Sudhip, Forbes, 6 Dec. 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