n. 1. The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action: championed freedom of will against a doctrine of predetermination.
2. a. Diligent purposefulness; determination: an athlete with the will to win.
b. Self-control; self-discipline: lacked the will to overcome the addiction.
3. A desire, purpose, or determination, especially of one in authority: It is the sovereign's will that the prisoner be spared.
4. Deliberate intention or wish: Let it be known that I took this course of action against my will.
5. Free discretion; inclination or pleasure: wandered about, guided only by will.
6. Bearing or attitude toward others; disposition: full of good will.
7. a. A legal declaration of how a person wishes their personal possessions to be disposed of after death.
b. A legally executed document containing this declaration.
v. tr. 1. a. To decide on or intend: He can finish the race if he wills it.
b. To yearn for; desire: “She makes you will your own destruction” (George Bernard Shaw).
c. To decree, dictate, or order: believed that the outcome was willed by the gods.
2. To induce or try to induce by sheer force of will: We willed the sun to come out.
3. a. To grant in a legal will; bequeath: willed his fortune to charity.
b. To order to direct in a legal will: She willed that her money be given to charity.