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Webster 1913 Edition

Involuntary

In-vol′un-ta-ry

,
Adj.
[L.
involuntarius
. See
In-
not, and
Voluntary
.]
1.
Not having will or the power of choice.
2.
Not under the influence or control of the will; not voluntary;
as, the
involuntary
movements of the body;
involuntary
muscle fibers.

Webster 1828 Edition

Involuntary

INVOL'UNTARY

,
Adj.
[L. in and voluntarius. See Voluntary.]
1.
Not having will or choice; unwilling.
2.
Independent of will or choice. The motion of the heart and arteries is involuntary, but not against the will.
3.
Not proceeding from choice; not done willingly; opposed to the will. A slave and a conquered nation yield an involuntary submission to a master.

Definition 2024

involuntary

involuntary

English

Adjective

involuntary ‎(comparative more involuntary, superlative most involuntary)

  1. Without intention; unintentional.
    He involuntarily overheard the conversation.
  2. Not voluntary or willing; contrary or opposed to explicit will or desire; unwilling.
    He found himself the involuntary witness in the trial.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

References

  • involuntary in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • involuntary in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Etymology

From in- +‎ voluntary, from Late Latin involontarius, from in + volontarius.

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