Main Entry: in·vol·un·tary

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē, -ˌte-rē\

Function: adjective

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

Date: 15th century

1 : done contrary to or without choice
2 : compulsory
3 : not subject to control of the will : reflex

— in·vol·un·tari·ly \-ˌvä-lən-ˈter-ə-lē, -ˈte-rə-\ adverb

— in·vol·un·tari·ness \-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē-nəs, -ˌte-rē-\ noun