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mechanism

n.
US //ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm// UK //mˈɛkənˌɪzəm// mech·a·nism
  1. 1 mechanical parts (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The locking mechanism on the front door is broken and needs to be replaced.

    Example

    The clockmaker spent hours cleaning the intricate mechanism, ensuring that every tiny gear turned without friction.

    Usage

    Often used with 'locking', 'firing', or 'internal'.
  2. 2 a process or system (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    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.

    Example

    The body has a natural mechanism for healing small cuts on the skin.

    Example

    Economists are studying the mechanism by which interest rate changes influence consumer spending in the long term.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' or 'by which'.
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  1. 3 coping or defense (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a way that your mind deals with difficult or painful feelings.

    an unconscious mental process used to protect oneself from anxiety or emotional pain.

    Example

    Using humor can be a helpful coping mechanism when you are feeling stressed.

    Example

    Psychologists often identify denial as a primary defense mechanism used by patients to avoid confronting traumatic memories.

    Usage

    Almost always appears in the phrases 'coping mechanism' or 'defense mechanism'.
  2. 4 philosophical theory (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Formal Philosophy

    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.

    Example

    Early scientists often viewed the universe through the lens of mechanism.

    Example

    The rise of mechanism in the seventeenth century challenged traditional views that attributed purpose or soul to natural objects.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is highly specialized; in general conversation, 'mechanism' almost always refers to a physical part or a process.
    • vitalism
Origin

Learned borrowing from New Latin mechanismus, from Ancient Greek μηχανή (mēkhanḗ, “machine”).

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