# involuntarily

/ˌɪnˌvɑɫənˈtɝəɫi/ (US) · /ɪnvˌɒləntˈɛɹəli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/involuntarily
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: occurring without the will or control of the person involved. Often describes physical reactions or emotional responses that are automatic and cannot be suppressed.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.