mechanism
/ˈmekənɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmekənɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈme-kə-ˌni-zəm/ (ame, mw)
mechanism — 名詞
- mechanismsingular
- mechanismsplural
1. the collection of physical pieces inside a device that move or interact so that
機械裝置
機器內協同運轉的零件組
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.
Karim 研究了老爺鐘內部的機械裝置，想了解報時機制如何運作。
mechanism inside + device — typical prepositional pattern
A faulty locking mechanism on Tamar's suitcase caused her bag to open during the flight.
Tamar 行李箱的鎖定機械裝置故障，導致她的包包在飛行途中爆開。
collocation: locking mechanism
When Lucía pressed the button, the engine's firing mechanism coughed and stopped.
Lucía 按下按鈕時，引擎的點火裝置咳了一聲就停了。
The winding mechanism of Rohan's wristwatch broke after years of daily use.
Rohan 手錶的發條裝置經過多年每天使用後斷掉了。
Without its winding mechanism, the old music box could no longer produce any melody.
少了發條裝置，這個老音樂盒再也無法奏出任何旋律。
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
機制；方法
為達成目標而設計的系統流程
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.
Élise 利用公司的內部審查機制來上訴主管的決定。
mechanism for + gerund — purpose structure
The school's disciplinary mechanism requires a meeting with parents before any student is suspended.
學校的懲戒機制規定，在學生被停學之前必須先與家長開會。
collocation: disciplinary mechanism
A price-adjustment mechanism in Daniel's contract guarantees him a pay rise when inflation rises.
Daniel 合約中的價格調整機制保證他在通貨膨脹時獲得加薪。
Mizuki showed the team a feedback mechanism that collects customer ratings after each delivery.
Mizuki 向團隊展示了一套回饋機制，能在每次送貨後收集客戶評分。
Without a clear voting mechanism, the committee could not agree on which project to support.
缺乏明確的投票機制，委員會無法決定該支持哪一個專案。
- 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
心理機制
應對困境的無意識心理模式
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.
Nkechi 在艱困中保持樂觀的習慣是她天生的因應機制。
collocation: coping mechanism
Sari developed a defence mechanism of making jokes whenever anyone asked about her old job.
Sari 養成了一種防衛機制，每當有人問起她的舊工作，她就用開玩笑帶過。
collocation: defence mechanism
Whenever the conversation turned to painful memories, Christopher's defence mechanism made him change the subject.
每當話題轉到痛苦的回憶，Christopher 的防衛機制就會讓他轉移話題。
A therapist explained that blaming others for one's own mistakes is a common psychological mechanism.
心理師解釋，把自己的錯誤歸咎於他人是一種常見的心理機制。
- 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.