involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē 
-ˌte-rē
Examples of involuntary in a Sentence
Breathing and circulation are involuntary processes.
When the door burst open, she let out an involuntary shriek.
The lawyer argued that the client's confession was involuntary.
Recent Examples on the Web
In studies, this was seen in both healthy people and those taking it for certain health conditions, such as tardive dyskinesia (an involuntary movement disorder).
—
Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Clinical trial results published in August showed that the device reduced involuntary movements and other symptoms by 50% in four patients who had Parkinson's for at least 10 years.
—Maya Goldman, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
Sleep clinics use sleep studies to identify sleep disruptions such as breathing pauses, involuntary limb movements, or other unconscious behaviors affecting your quality of sleep.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
Stories written by Carol have influenced public policy and spurred legislative action, including the passage of laws that reformed the state’s involuntary commitment, child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
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Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Clinical trial results published in August showed that the device reduced involuntary movements and other symptoms by 50% in four patients who had Parkinson's for at least 10 years.
—Maya Goldman, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
Sleep clinics use sleep studies to identify sleep disruptions such as breathing pauses, involuntary limb movements, or other unconscious behaviors affecting your quality of sleep.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
Stories written by Carol have influenced public policy and spurred legislative action, including the passage of laws that reformed the state’s involuntary commitment, child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/involuntary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē
1
: not made or done willingly or from choice : unwilling
2
: being enforced or required : mandatory
3
: not normally under the control of the will
an involuntary response to a stimulus
Medical Definition
involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē
: not subject to control of the will : reflex
involuntary contractions
Legal Definition
involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē
: done, made, or initiated contrary to or without one's choice
an involuntary confession
an involuntary lien
an involuntary plaintiff joined in the action
involuntarily
adverb
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