involuntarily
adv. C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˌvɑɫənˈtɝəɫi// UK //ɪnvˌɒləntˈɛɹəli// in·vol·un·tar·i·ly
adv. happening without you wanting it to or without you being able to control it. You use this to describe things like sudden movements or feelings you cannot stop.
adv. occurring without the will or control of the person involved. Often describes physical reactions or emotional responses that are automatic and cannot be suppressed.
He involuntarily flinched when the loud noise started.
The witness involuntarily looked away when the defendant entered the courtroom, showing he was nervous.
The athlete involuntarily tensed his muscles as the starting pistol fired, a natural reflex that occurs before the conscious mind can process the signal.
From involuntary + -ly or in- + voluntarily.
- Adjectiveinvoluntary
- Adverbinvoluntarily