self-willed

comparative more self-willed · superlative most self-willed

1. Obstinate; strong-minded; unyielding to the desires, concern or opinions of others.

   He was so self-willed that he refused to do anything that did not grant instant satisfaction or direction.

   2 more examples

   Emma perceived that the nature of his gallantry was a little self-willed, and that he would rather oppose than lose the pleasure of dancing with her; but she took the compliment, and forgave the rest. Had she intended ever to marry him, it might have been worth while to pause and consider, and try to understand the value of his preference, and the character of his temper; but for all the purposes of their acquaintance, he was quite amiable enough.

   1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume II, chapter 11

   But then Pen was different. Pen was a man. It seemed natural somehow that he should be self-willed and should have his own way.

   1948-50, William Makepeace Thackeray, Pendennis, ch 25

2. Possessing self-will; determined to pursue one's own desires or adhere to one's own opinion..

   The idea of self-willed machines, which could decide to take over the world, scares all the people smart enough to create such devices.