Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

involuntary reaction

noun

/ˌɪn.vɒl.ənˈtɛr.i ˈriː.æk.ʃən/

Definition

An involuntary reaction is an automatic response of the body to a stimulus that occurs without conscious thought.

Examples

When the doctor tapped my knee, I felt an involuntary reaction that made my leg kick out.
Jumping back after hearing a loud noise is a common involuntary reaction.
The involuntary reaction of sweating occurs when the body is hot or anxious.

Meaning

These reactions are typically reflexive and can include actions such as sneezing, flinching, or other bodily responses that happen naturally and without the individual’s control.