mechanism

American  

[mek-uh-niz-uhm] / ˈmɛk əˌnɪz əm /

noun

• mechanisms
  plural

1. an assembly of moving parts performing a complete functional motion, often being part of a large machine; linkage.

2. the agency or means by which an effect is produced or a purpose is accomplished.

3. machinery or mechanical appliances in general.

4. the structure or arrangement of parts of a machine or similar device, or of anything analogous.

5. the mechanical part of something; any mechanical device.

   the mechanism of a clock.

6. routine methods or procedures; mechanics.

   the mechanism of government.

7. mechanical execution, as in painting or music; technique.

8. the theory that everything in the universe is produced by matter in motion; materialism.

9. Philosophy.

   1. the view that all natural processes are explicable in terms of classical mechanics.

   2. the view that all biological processes may be described in physicochemical terms.

10. Psychoanalysis. the habitual operation and interaction of psychological forces within an individual that assist in interpreting or dealing with the physical or psychological environment.

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mechanism British  

/ ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a system or structure of moving parts that performs some function, esp in a machine

2. something resembling a machine in the arrangement and working of its parts

   the mechanism of the ear

3. any form of mechanical device or any part of such a device

4. a process or technique, esp of execution

   the mechanism of novel writing

5. philosophy

   1. the doctrine that human action can be explained in purely physical terms, whether mechanical or biological

   2. the explanation of phenomena in causal rather than teleological or essentialist terms

   3. the view that the task of science is to seek such explanations

   4. strict determinism Compare dynamism vitalism

6. psychoanal

   1. the ways in which psychological forces interact and operate

   2. a structure having an influence on the behaviour of a person, such as a defence mechanism

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antimechanism
  noun
• mechanismic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• mechanisms
  plural

Etymology

Origin of mechanism

First recorded in 1655–65; from New Latin mēchanismus; Late Latin mēchanisma “contrivance,” from Greek mēchan(ḗ) machine + New Latin -ismus, Late Latin -isma -ism

Explanation

Use the word mechanism to describe a process that has been set up to accomplish a particular goal. If you’ve set up a method for dealing with your sister when she annoys you, then you have a mechanism in place for establishing peace with your sister. The word mechanism came into the English language in the seventeenth century by way of the Latin word mechanismus, which traces back to the Greek word mekhane, meaning “device" or "means.” Mechanism still carries with it the meaning of “device” and can be used to describe a machine, but nowadays you are more likely to hear it used to describe a process for getting something done, such as "a mechanism for generating revenue" or "a crisis-resolution mechanism."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mechanism mechanisms

The finding revealed a previously unrecognized mechanism through which abnormal cancer cells can promote tumor growth, even when they account for only a small portion of the tumor.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

Its proposals include a pooled fund, technical assistance and shared promotion, alongside exploration of a new county-level arts funding mechanism.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

In that situation, existing high debt levels act as an "amplification mechanism" for the effect on yields.

From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026

She also said the ophthalmology "capacity appears insufficient to meet the demand", adding that the absence of a national mechanism means those "requiring surveillance for ophthalmic conditions may experience prolonged delays".

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

Inside, the mechanism begins to turn, the cogs and gears waltzing together as the number-marked hoops spin into place.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

She added that feelings of blame and guilt were "very common" during bereavement and could lead to "destructive" coping mechanisms.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

Replacing real consumption with digital simulation might sound unusual, but behavioral scientists say substitution mechanisms like this can help.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

He said there should be "proper accountability mechanisms" to hold ministers who breach the pledge of office to account.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

That difference suggests Menin influences aging through several biological mechanisms, with D-serine accounting for only part of its effects.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

“We never used to need these things,” Miig commented as we wound the mechanisms and checked they were synchronized.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

Related Words

• agency
• operation
• procedure
• process
• system
• technique