involuntary

• Décrit une action ou une réaction qui se produit sans contrôle conscient ou intentionnel.

Describes an action or reaction that is done without conscious control or intention.

1. Not done by choiceB2formal

   Done or happening without someone's conscious decision or will; not voluntary.

   non volontaire, fait sans intention

   • He gave an involuntary gasp of surprise.
   • Her involuntary reaction was to flinch.
   • The confession was deemed involuntary by the court.

   Synonymesautomaticcompulsoryforcedinstinctivereflexspontaneousunconsciousunintendedunintentionalunwitting

   Antonymeschosenconsciousdeliberatefreeintentionaloptionalvoluntary

2. Automatic bodily functionB2formalmedical

   Relating to bodily processes that occur without conscious control, such as heartbeat or digestion.

   Involontaire (fonction corporelle)

   • Breathing is partly voluntary and partly involuntary.
   • The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary muscles.
   • Involuntary reflexes protect the body from harm.

   Synonymesautomaticinstinctivereflexspontaneousunconscious