Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows
or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps
Adjective: involuntary  in'vó-lun,te-ree [N. Amer], in'vó-lun-t(u-)ree [Brit]
  1. Not subject to the control of the will
    "involuntary manslaughter"; "an involuntary shudder"; "It (becoming a hero) was involuntary. They sank my boat";
    - nonvoluntary, unvoluntary [rare]
     
  2. (physiology) controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious control
    "involuntary muscles"; "gave an involuntary start"

See also: automatic, autonomic, driven, forced, goaded, reflex, reflexive, unconscious, unwilled, unwilling, vegetative

Antonym: voluntary

Encyclopedia: Involuntary