Oxford Dictionary English

    involuntary

    adjective
    adjective
    BrE BrE//ɪnˈvɒləntri//
    ; NAmE NAmE//ɪnˈvɑːlənteri//
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  1. 1an involuntary movement, etc. is made suddenly, without you intending it or being able to control it an involuntary cry of pain opposite voluntary
  2. 2happening without the person concerned wanting it to the involuntary repatriation of immigrants involuntary childlessness
    3. Extra examples The distinction between voluntary and involuntary unemployment is often blurred. There was a concerted programme of involuntary repatriation. the forced/​involuntary repatriation of the refugees
See involuntary in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic EnglishSee involuntary in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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