mechanism

noun

mech·​a·​nism ˈme-kə-ˌni-zəm 

1

a

: a piece of machinery (see machinery sense 1)

The camera's shutter mechanism is broken.

b

: a process, technique, or system for achieving a result

the mechanisms of peace

—F. D. Roosevelt

2

: mechanical operation or action : working sense 2

he acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or by accident

—Richard Bentley

3

: a doctrine that holds natural processes (as of life) to be mechanically determined and capable of complete explanation by the laws of physics and chemistry

4

: the fundamental processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon

meteorologists believe that this pressure jump is the mechanism responsible for storms and tornadoes

—Think

compare defense mechanism

Examples of mechanism in a Sentence

The camera's shutter mechanism is broken.

Scientists are studying the body's mechanisms for controlling weight.

There is no mechanism in place for enforcing the new law.

a legal mechanism to prevent lobbyists from exerting unfair influence

psychological mechanisms for dealing with a tragic loss

Recent Examples on the Web

On paper, the state already has a mechanism for coordinating and overseeing homelessness programs. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2024

There’s also a locking mechanism for added safety during height adjustments. —Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2024

Hip-hop was born from historic and systemic trauma and serves as both a mechanism for healing and a catalyst for change. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2024

The proposal also includes a prospective ownership group and mechanism for public funding. —Brian Haenchen, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Apr. 2024

Its fate depends on a panoply of complex meteorological mechanisms. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024

Heat-sensitive groups and those without cooling mechanisms are at risk of dying, and power outages are likely. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024

Based on our model mechanisms, measures that streamline the process for young firms can benefit the economy. —Mishita Mehra, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024

The guidance mechanism, coupled with spoofing-resistant antennae, allows the drone to maintain an accurate flight path far beyond the range of drones controlled using radio signals. —William Neff, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mechanism

• defense mechanism
• escape mechanism
• survival mechanism

Kids Definition

mechanism

noun

mech·​a·​nism ˈmek-ə-ˌniz-əm 

1

: a piece of machinery

2

a

: the parts by which a machine operates

b

: the process, way, or system for achieving a goal

the mechanism of government

3

: the processes involved in or responsible for a natural occurrence (as evolution or an action or reaction)

Medical Definition

mechanism

noun

mech·​a·​nism ˈmek-ə-ˌniz-əm 

1

: a piece of machinery

2

a

: a bodily process or function

the mechanism of healing

b

: the combination of mental processes by which a result is obtained

psychological mechanisms

3

: the fundamental physical or chemical processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon

mechanistic

ˌmek-ə-ˈnis-tik 

adjective