1.
[syn: involuntary, nonvoluntary, unvoluntary]
2. controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious control;
- Example: "involuntary muscles"
- Example: "gave an involuntary start"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Involuntary \In*vol"un*ta*ry\, a. [L. involuntarius. See In-
not, and Voluntary.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Not having will or the power of choice.
[1913 Webster]
2. Not under the influence or control of the will; not
voluntary; as, the involuntary movements of the body;
involuntary muscle fibers.
[1913 Webster]
3. Not proceeding from choice; done unwillingly; reluctant;
compulsory; as, involuntary submission. Involute
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
involuntary
adj 1: not subject to the control of the will; "involuntary
manslaughter"; "involuntary servitude"; "an involuntary
shudder"; "It (becoming a hero) was involuntary. They
sank my boat"- John F.Kennedy [syn: involuntary,
nonvoluntary, unvoluntary] [ant: voluntary]
2: controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious
control; "involuntary muscles"; "gave an involuntary start"
[ant: voluntary]