mechanized
mechanized — adjective
1. done or operated by machines instead of by people doing the work with their hand
done or operated by machines instead of by people doing the work with their hands
The Watanabe family farm switched to mechanized harvesting last year.
collocation: mechanized harvesting / farming / agriculture
Mechanized assembly lines can produce thousands of bottles per hour.
Fatima watched her uncle's village switch from hand-pounding rice to a mechanized mill.
The army used mechanized vehicles to transport supplies across the desert.
On the Chen family's farm in Vietnam, mechanized planters sow rice ten times faster than by hand.
- automated
more common and implies computer-controlled systems rather than simple machines
- machine-operated
more literal and less common in everyday speech
- manual
done by hand without machines
- hand-operated
emphasizes direct human control without machine help
用法筆記
Used mainly for farms, factories, and armies. Not used for small household appliances — for those, use 'electric' or 'automatic'.
常見錯誤
mechanized — verb
1. to add machines or engine-powered equipment to a workplace or activity so that l
to add machines or engine-powered equipment to a workplace or activity so that less human labor is needed
The textile workshop mechanized its looms to compete with larger companies.
Farmers across the region are mechanizing their irrigation systems.
pattern: mechanize + [equipment / system]
The airport mechanized its baggage-handling system to speed up transfers.
Chef Nakamura decided to mechanize the dough-kneading step to save labor.
文法句型
mechanize + noun phrase (a factory / a process / an industry)
用法筆記
Neutral in tone. The subject is typically a farm, factory, warehouse, or similar workplace. The direct object is usually a process, system, or piece of equipment that receives mechanical power.
常見錯誤
2. to make goods using machines in a factory setting instead of by hand
to make goods using machines in a factory setting instead of by hand
The factory mechanized the production of bicycle frames fifty years ago.
pattern: mechanize + production / manufacturing
Instead of hand-carving each piece, the workshop now mechanizes the shaping step.
The bakery mechanized its bread-making process to keep up with demand.
The toy company mechanized the painting of wooden blocks so every set looked uniform.
Olu watched the robotic arm mechanize the assembly of tiny watch parts.
- mass-produce
more precise for factory output; implies large quantities
- industrialize
broader — about transforming an entire industry, not just one production step
- craft
to make by hand with skill and care
文法句型
mechanize + noun phrase (production / the making of something)
用法筆記
Strictly about manufacturing goods. The direct object is usually a production step or a type of goods being made. Not used for processes like admin tasks or communication — those fall under 'automate'.
常見錯誤
3. to strip a human activity of its natural warmth and individuality by turning it
to strip a human activity of its natural warmth and individuality by turning it into a fixed, unvarying procedure
Dr. Okafor worried that new rules would mechanize patient care into simple routines.
figurative use: losing human quality
Svetlana felt that the school had mechanized learning into a series of test drills.
After years of digital retouching, graphic designer Mei-Lin felt the software had mechanized her original style into a predictable routine.
The new director mechanized the weekly meeting into a thirty-minute checklist.
- humanize
to make something more personal and less mechanical
文法句型
mechanize + noun phrase (a process / an activity / care / learning)
用法筆記
Often carries a slightly negative tone when applied to human activities — it suggests something has lost warmth, individuality, or spontaneity. This sense is figurative and does not involve actual machines.
常見錯誤
4. to supply an army unit with vehicles that have weapons and protective metal cove
to supply an army unit with vehicles that have weapons and protective metal covering
The government decided to mechanize the Third Division with new armored carriers.
collocation: mechanize + [military unit]
Colonel Torres led a fully mechanized battalion across the border.
During the 1991 offensive, General al-Rashid's mechanized brigade crossed the desert in under six hours.
In the 1940s, many nations began to mechanize their cavalry units.
- motorize
broader — can apply to any vehicle fleet, not just military
文法句型
mechanize + [military unit] (a division / a battalion / an army)
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used for military units. The direct object is typically a division, battalion, brigade, or army. 'Fully mechanized' is a common set phrase.