Dictionary

incontinently en · ADV

Etymology

Etymology tree English incontinent Middle English -ly English -ly English incontinently From incontinent + -ly.

Meanings

1. In an incontinent manner; without restraint, or without due restraint.
2. (archaic) Immediately; at once; forthwith.
   • The image which she had called up was too much for her nerves, and she fled incontinently. 1891, Bram Stoker, The Judge's House:
   • And lest any man should think her intent was to unnestle ill neighbours, and not to aid good neighbours, or that she was readier to restore what was invaded by others than to render what was in her own hands; see if the time provided not a new occasion afterwards, when through their own division, without the intermise of strangers, her forces were again sought and required; she forsook them not, prevailed so far as to be possessed of the castle of Edinburgh, the principal strength of that kingdom, with peace, incontinently, without cunctations or cavillations, the preambles of a wavering faith, she rendered with all honour and security; and his person to safe and faithful hands; and so ever after during his minority continued his principal guardian and protector. a. 1603, Francis Bacon, Discourse in the Praise of Queen Elizabeth:
   • The Prieſt ties his ſtole about the neck of the poſſeſſed vvith three knots, and ſays, […] I exorciſe you [evil spirits], and adjure you, and command you, by the povver I have, that you incontinently hear the vvords of my conjuring, and perceive your ſelves overcome, and command you not to depart vvithout licenſe, and ſo I bind you vvith this ſtole of jucundity; […] 1664, Jeremy [Taylor], “The Church of Rome, as It is at this Day Disordered, Teaches Doctrines, and Uses Practises, which are in Themselves, or in Their True and Immediate Consequences, Direct Impieties, and Give Warranty to a Wicked Life”, in A Disswasive from Popery to the People of Ireland. […], Dublin: […] John Crooke, […], and are to be sold by Samuel Dancer, →OCLC, section X, page 138:
   • On such eyes as maidens cherish / Let thy fond adorers gaze, / Or incontinently perish / In their all-consuming rays! 1881, W. S. Gilbert, Patience, act II:

Forms

Synonyms

no sooner said than done · anoon · indecently · right now · right away · wrongly · instantly · now · immoderately · soon · toot sweet · tout de suite · immodestly · improperly · unvirtuously · instanter · right away · stat · by and by · at once · straightaway · pronto · incontinently · on the nail · incontinently · instantly · yesterday · immorally · forthwithal · wickedly · immodestly · right off · ASAP · this instant · illicitly · unchastely · forthwith · unseemly · unchastely · wrongfully · reprehensibly · forthwithal · on the spur of the moment · on the spot · directly