involuntary
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.in·vol·un·tary
adjective \(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē, -ˌte-rē\Definition of INVOLUNTARY
1
: done contrary to or without choice
2
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
See Examples of INVOLUNTARY
- 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.
Origin of INVOLUNTARY
Middle English involuntari, from Late Latin involuntarius, from Latin in- + voluntarius voluntary
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to INVOLUNTARY
- Synonyms
- coerced, forced, unintended, unintentional, unwilling, will-less
- Antonyms
- deliberate, freewill, intentional, uncoerced, unforced, voluntary, willful (or wilful), willing
in·vol·un·tary
adjective \(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of INVOLUNTARY
: not subject to control of the will : reflex <involuntary contractions>
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