B1adverbhealthemotions
US/ɪnˌvɑː.lənˈter.ə.li/
UK/ɪnˈvɒl.ən.tər.əl.i/
without meaning or choosing to; happening by itself, not because you decided it
In context
I flinched involuntarily when the dentist picked up the drill.
She laughed involuntarily at the joke, even though she was trying to look serious.
Thousands of workers were involuntarily moved to part-time contracts during the crisis.
Words that go with involuntarily
verb + adverb
- shudder involuntarilyHe shuddered involuntarily as the cold wind hit his face.
- flinch involuntarilyShe flinched involuntarily at the sound of the gunshot.
- smile involuntarilyI smiled involuntarily when I saw the baby's photo.
- shiver involuntarilyThe children shivered involuntarily as they climbed out of the lake.
adverb + verb
- involuntarily committedHe was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital for a week.