mechanism
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a set of moving parts inside a machine that perform a specific task.
a system of interconnected parts, such as gears or levers, designed to convert motion or control power within a machine.
Simple“The locking mechanism on the front door is broken and needs to be replaced.”
In context“The clockmaker spent hours cleaning the intricate mechanism, ensuring that every tiny gear turned without friction.”
UsageOften used with 'locking', 'firing', or 'internal'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a way of doing something or a process that makes something happen.
a natural or established process by which something takes place or is brought about.
Simple“The body has a natural mechanism for healing small cuts on the skin.”
In context“Economists are studying the mechanism by which interest rate changes influence consumer spending in the long term.”
UsageCommonly followed by the preposition 'for' or 'by which'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a way that your mind deals with difficult or painful feelings.
an unconscious mental process used to protect oneself from anxiety or emotional pain.
Simple“Using humor can be a helpful coping mechanism when you are feeling stressed.”
In context“Psychologists often identify denial as a primary defense mechanism used by patients to avoid confronting traumatic memories.”
UsageAlmost always appears in the phrases 'coping mechanism' or 'defense mechanism'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the belief that everything in nature can be explained by physical causes.
the philosophical doctrine that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes and mechanical laws.
Simple“Early scientists often viewed the universe through the lens of mechanism.”
In context“The rise of mechanism in the seventeenth century challenged traditional views that attributed purpose or soul to natural objects.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly specialized; in general conversation, 'mechanism' almost always refers to a physical part or a process.
SynonymsAntonymsvitalism
Usage mechanism responsible · actual mechanism · describe mechanism
“The causes of PMDD are still being untangled, and there could be many mechanisms at play.”
“The Government has activated its emergency response mechanisms and continues to assess damage and needs in affected areas.”
Learned borrowing from New Latin mechanismus, from Ancient Greek μηχανή (mēkhanḗ, “machine”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.