He had to laugh despite himself.

他不想笑，但还是忍不住笑了出来。

《牛津词典》

And despite himself, my friend began to relax.

我朋友不由自主地开始放松了。

youdao

And despite himself, my friend began to relax.

我朋友不由自主地开始放松了。

youdao