involuntary responses
noun phraseUK /ɪnˈvɒləntəri rɪˈspɒnsɪz/
US /ɪnˈvɑːlənteri rɪˈspɑːnsɪz/
Things your body does without you thinking about them.
Blinking and sneezing are involuntary responses that keep your body safe.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Body actions controlled by the autonomic nervous system, like heartbeat and digestion.
Her heartbeat and breathing are involuntary responses managed by her brain.
3. Sudden movements you cannot stop, such as a knee jerk when tapped.
The doctor tapped his knee to check his involuntary responses.
4. Reactions that happen without conscious choice in psychology or behavior.
Flushing when embarrassed is one of many involuntary responses.