First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
involuntary
adjective in·vol·un·tary \(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē, -ˌte-rē\
: not done or made consciously
: not done by choice
Full 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
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Origin of INVOLUNTARY
Middle English involuntari, from Late Latin involuntarius, from Latin in- + voluntarius voluntary
Related to INVOLUNTARY
- Synonyms
- coerced, forced, unintended, unintentional, unwilling, will-less
- Antonyms
- deliberate, freewill, intentional, uncoerced, unforced, voluntary, willful (or wilful), willing
INVOLUNTARINESS Defined for Kids
involuntary
adjective in·vol·un·tary \in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē\
Definition of INVOLUNTARY for Kids
1
: not done consciously <an involuntary whimper>
2
: not done by choice <involuntary labor>
— in·vol·un·tari·ly \ˌin-ˌvä-lən-ˈter-ə-lē\ adverb
Medical Dictionary
involuntary
adjective in·vol·un·tary \(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē\
Medical Definition of INVOLUNTARY
: not subject to control of the will : reflex <involuntary contractions>
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