mechanism
mechanism — noun
1. the collection of physical pieces inside a device that move or interact so that
the collection of physical pieces inside a device that move or interact so that the device performs its intended function — for instance, the gears and springs that allow a clock to show the correct time.
Karim studied the mechanism inside the grandfather clock to understand how the chimes work.
mechanism inside + device — typical prepositional pattern
A faulty locking mechanism on Tamar's suitcase caused her bag to open during the flight.
collocation: locking mechanism
When Lucía pressed the button, the engine's firing mechanism coughed and stopped.
The winding mechanism of Rohan's wristwatch broke after years of daily use.
Without its winding mechanism, the old music box could no longer produce any melody.
文法句型
mechanism + that + verb
用法筆記
Frequently used with a compound noun that names the type of part: 'locking mechanism', 'trigger mechanism', 'steering mechanism'. The specific device is usually mentioned as a possessor ('the mechanism of the door handle') or in a compound ('the door-handle mechanism').
常見錯誤
2. a planned set of rules, steps, or procedures within an organisation or system th
a planned set of rules, steps, or procedures within an organisation or system that is designed to produce a particular outcome — for example, a formal process that lets customers complain and receive a response.
Élise used the company's internal review mechanism to appeal her manager's decision.
mechanism for + gerund — purpose structure
The school's disciplinary mechanism requires a meeting with parents before any student is suspended.
collocation: disciplinary mechanism
A price-adjustment mechanism in Daniel's contract guarantees him a pay rise when inflation rises.
Mizuki showed the team a feedback mechanism that collects customer ratings after each delivery.
Without a clear voting mechanism, the committee could not agree on which project to support.
- system
broader; can refer to any organised set of parts or rules, not necessarily goal-directed
- method
more deliberate and step-by-step; less automatic than a mechanism
- process
emphasises the sequence of changes or actions over time
- procedure
more formal and rule-bound; often written down in official guidelines
文法句型
mechanism for + noun/gerund
mechanism + that + verb
mechanism of + noun
用法筆記
Common in academic, business, and political writing. The noun or gerund after 'for' explains the purpose of the mechanism ('a mechanism for resolving disputes'). The plural form is rarer and usually appears in technical or comparative contexts ('comparing different pricing mechanisms').
常見錯誤
3. an unconscious pattern of thoughts or reactions that the mind uses to protect it
an unconscious pattern of thoughts or reactions that the mind uses to protect itself from emotional pain, anxiety, or overwhelming situations — for example, avoiding a painful memory by staying very busy at work.
Nkechi's habit of staying cheerful during hardship was her natural coping mechanism.
collocation: coping mechanism
Sari developed a defence mechanism of making jokes whenever anyone asked about her old job.
collocation: defence mechanism
Whenever the conversation turned to painful memories, Christopher's defence mechanism made him change the subject.
A therapist explained that blaming others for one's own mistakes is a common psychological mechanism.
- coping strategy
broader; may be conscious or unconscious, not necessarily defensive
- defence
shorter form; less clinical, more general
文法句型
coping mechanism
defence/defense mechanism
psychological mechanism
用法筆記
Most common in psychology and self-help contexts. The spelling 'defence mechanism' is British English; 'defense mechanism' is American English. 'Coping mechanism' is broader and can refer to both conscious and unconscious strategies, not just defensive ones.