involuntary

adjective

in·​vol·​un·​tary (ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
-ˌte-rē
1
: done contrary to or without choice
2
3
: not subject to control of the will : reflex
involuntarily adverb
involuntariness noun

Examples of involuntary in a Sentence

Breathing and circulation are involuntary processes. When the door burst open, she let out an involuntary shriek. The lawyer argued that the client's confession was involuntary.
Recent Examples on the Web As his three-year enlistment was about to end, he was hit with a stop-loss order, an involuntary extension of active duty. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 The impact of eugenics can be seen not only in the genocides of the 20th century but also, for example, in discriminatory immigration practices and involuntary sterilization laws. Journal Sentinel, 29 Feb. 2024 And yet another statewide law, Senate Bill 43, broadens the definition of gravely disabled, allowing law enforcement and others more leeway to pick residents up for possible involuntary treatment or diversion to drug and alcohol programs. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2024 The proposal could also add beds in locked psychiatric facilities, which advocates say could force more people into involuntary treatment. Trân Nguyễn, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2024 Fortunately, the tax law may treat this as an involuntary conversion under Section 1033. Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 The second is a state law that went into effect this year changing conservatorship rules to force more homeless people unable to provide for their basic needs into involuntary care. Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2024 The Bee asked county spokeswoman Mott how many people had been referred into the involuntary treatment process. Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2024 Weight and Frost are facing multiple charges including assault on a minor, corruption of minors, involuntary servitude, strangulation, false imprisonment and child endangerment, according to online court records. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'involuntary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English involuntari, from Late Latin involuntarius, from Latin in- + voluntarius voluntary

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of involuntary was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near involuntary

Cite this Entry

“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/involuntary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

involuntary

adjective
in·​vol·​un·​tary (ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
1
: not made or done willingly or from choice : unwilling
2
: being enforced or required : mandatory
3
: not normally under the control of the will
an involuntary response to a stimulus
involuntarily adverb

Medical Definition

involuntary

adjective
in·​vol·​un·​tary (ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
: not subject to control of the will : reflex
involuntary contractions

Legal Definition

involuntary

adjective
in·​vol·​un·​tary in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
: done, made, or initiated contrary to or without one's choice
an involuntary confession
an involuntary lien
an involuntary plaintiff joined in the action
involuntarily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on involuntary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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