好词典

involuntary

UK //ɪnˈvɒləntəri//US //ɪnˈvɑːlənteri//

词源

源自拉丁语 'involuntarius'(in- '非' + voluntarius '自愿的'),14世纪晚期进入英语。

adjective

❶ 指行为或动作不受意识控制,由身体本能或外部因素引发,常用于描述生理反应或无意识行为。

“An involuntary shiver ran down her spine when she heard the noise.”

(听到那个声音时,她不由自主地打了个寒颤。)

“Breathing is mostly an involuntary action controlled by the brain.”

(呼吸主要是由大脑控制的无意识行为。)

❶ 形容非自愿或被强迫的行为,强调缺乏个人选择或同意,常用于法律或社会语境。

“Involuntary servitude was abolished by the 13th Amendment.”

(第十三条修正案废除了非自愿的奴役制度。)

“She gave an involuntary confession under police pressure.”

(在警方施压下,她做出了非自愿的供认。)

同义词:automatic, unconscious, compulsory, forced, reflex

常见短语

involuntary manslaughter — 法律术语,指因过失或疏忽导致他人死亡,但无预谋或故意的犯罪行为。

“The driver was charged with involuntary manslaughter after the fatal accident.”

(致命事故后,司机被指控犯有过失杀人罪。)

involuntary muscle — 生理学术语,指不受意识控制的肌肉(如心肌或平滑肌),与随意肌相对。

“The digestive system is lined with involuntary muscles.”

(消化系统内壁布满了不随意肌。)