involuntary

[ɪnˈvɑːlənteri]

Origin

From Latin "involuntarius," combining "in-" (not) + "voluntarius" (voluntary)

Meanings

1. Done without conscious control or will; not intended
2. Not done by choice; compulsory or obligatory

Example Sentences

1. He gave an involuntary shudder when he heard the news.
2. Breathing is an involuntary action controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
3. The company faced involuntary bankruptcy after failing to pay its debts.

Related Words

• Noun: involuntariness
• Adverb: involuntarily
• Antonyms: voluntary, deliberate, intentional
• Synonyms: unintentional, instinctive, reflexive, automatic

Memorization Trick

Think "in" (not) + "voluntary" (by choice). Involuntary actions are those you can't voluntarily control, like your heartbeat or a knee-jerk reaction.