- mechanism
- noun1 part of a machineADJECTIVE▪ firing, locking, steering, trigger, windingVERB + MECHANISM▪ activate▪
This activates the train's tilt mechanism.
▪ jam▪The gun froze, jamming the mechanism.
MECHANISM + VERB▪ operate, work▪The door locking mechanism doesn't work.
2 system/methodADJECTIVE▪ effective▪an effective mechanism for enforcing the rules
▪ exact, precise▪Scientists have been unable to explain the exact mechanism behind this effect.
▪ underlying▪ complex, complicated▪ simple▪ alternative▪He suggested an alternative mechanism for providing public services.
▪ social▪ avoidance, control, coping, defence/defense, escape, feedback, protective, repair, survival▪The body has defence mechanisms against many diseases.
▪ cellular, genetic, immunological, molecular, neural, physiological, psychological, etc.VERB + MECHANISM▪ provide▪The system provides a mechanism whereby information is fed back into the market.
▪ propose, suggest▪ investigate▪ activate, trigger▪This activates the body's thirst mechanism.
▪ control, govern, regulate▪physiological mechanisms regulating the release of hormones
MECHANISM + VERB▪ operate, work▪ allow sth, ensure sthPREPOSITION▪ by the mechanism of, through the mechanism of▪The government is held accountable through the mechanism of regular general elections.
▪ mechanism for▪a mechanism for dealing with complaints
Collocations dictionary. 2013.