will 1 (w?l)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 his or her possessions to be disposed of after death.b. A legally executed document containing this declaration.v. willed, will·ing, wills 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.v.intr.1. To exercise the will.2. To make a choice; choose: Do as you will.Idiom: at will Just as or when one wishes.[Middle English, from Old English willa; see wel- in Indo-European roots.]will 2 (w?l)aux.v. Past tense would (wo?od) 1. Used to indicate simple futurity: They will appear later.2. Used to indicate likelihood or certainty: You will regret this.3. Used to indicate willingness: Will you help me with this package?4. Used to indicate requirement or command: You will report to me afterward.5. Used to indicate intention: I will too if I feel like it.6. Used to indicate customary or habitual action: People will talk.7. Used to indicate capacity or ability: This metal will not crack under heavy pressure.8. Used to indicate probability or expectation: That will be the messenger ringing.tr. & intr.v. To wish; desire: Do what you will. Sit here if you will. See Usage Note at shall.[Middle English willen, to intend to, from Old English willan; see wel- in Indo-European roots.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.