willpower
Meaning
the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve something or to stop yourself from doing something
Structure
Usage
It takes tremendous willpower to resist such temptation.
She relied on sheer willpower to finish the marathon.
His willpower weakened after days of stress.
Etymology
The word 'willpower' is a transparent compound formed within Modern English from two native concepts: 'will' and 'power'. 'Will' originates from the Proto-Germanic weljaną, meaning "to want" or "to wish," which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root welh₁-, suggesting a sense of choosing or wanting. 'Power' entered English via Anglo-French from Latin potis (able), tracing back to the PIE root poti- meaning "master" or "powerful." The compound, emerging in the 19th century, logically fuses these ideas: it is the 'power' or strength of one's 'will'—the mental force applied to control impulses and direct one's actions toward a chosen goal, embodying the abstract concept of self-control.
Analysis
- will: From Old English will, willa (desire, wish, purpose). A Germanic root signifying intention and volition. In this compound, it functions as the object or domain being empowered. - power: From Anglo-French poer, pouer, ultimately from Latin posse (to be able). It denotes the capacity, strength, or force applied.