willful Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite done by design
    wilful.
    • the insult was intentional
    • willful disobedience
  2. adjective satellite habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
    wilful; headstrong; froward; self-willed.

WordNet

Will"ful adjective
Etymology
Will + full.
Written also wilful.
Definitions
  1. Of set purpose; self-determined; voluntary; as, willful murder. Foxe.
    In willful poverty chose to lead his life. Chaucer.
    Thou to me Art all things under heaven, all places thou, Who, for my willful crime, art banished hence. Milton.
  2. Governed by the will without yielding to reason; obstinate; perverse; inflexible; stubborn; refractory; as, a willful man or horse. -- Will"ful*ly, adv. -- Will"ful*ness, n.

Webster 1913