adjective

wilful

intentional, deliberate, stubborn

It was an act of wilful damage.

It was an act of willful damage.

He showed a wilful disregard for safety.

He showed a willful disregard for safety.

a willful ((noun)) a deliberate (noun) It was a willful act of disobedience.

Synonyms: deliberate, intentional, stubborn; Antonyms: accidental, unintentional

From 'will' (intention, desire) + '-ful' (full of). Literally 'full of one's own will'.

Someone who is 'willful' is 'full of' their own 'will' and ignores others. Note the American English spelling 'willful' vs. British English 'wilful'.

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