involuntarily

Involuntarily is an adverb describing an action performed without voluntary control or against one’s will. It derives from the adjective involuntary, which itself comes from Latin involuntarius, with in- meaning not and volunt- meaning will, plus a common English suffix.

In practice, involuntary actions include reflexes and autonomic processes that are not consciously controlled. Examples are the knee-jerk reflex, breathing, heart rate, and pupil dilation. People can also perform actions involuntarily in the sense of being compelled by emotions, physiological responses, or subconscious stimuli, such as laughing involuntarily or blinking when something approaches the eye.

In legal and social contexts, involuntary describes situations where authority or circumstances impose actions or custody against a person’s will. Examples include involuntary commitment to a mental health facility for evaluation or treatment, and involuntary treatment under certain jurisdictions. The term is also used in criminal law to describe offenses where the defendant did not intend the prohibited result, such as involuntary manslaughter, which involves negligence or recklessness rather than a deliberate intent to kill.

Distinctions are often drawn between involuntary and related terms. Involuntary contrasts with voluntary (done by choice) and with unintentionally (not done on purpose, but not necessarily against one’s will). It can also differ from unwillingly, which emphasizes resistance or reluctance rather than a lack of control. In everyday language, involuntarily usually underscores lack of conscious control rather than moral judgment.