mechanical response
[/məˈkænɪkəl rɪˈspɑːns/]
nounpl: mechanical responses
resposta mecânica
1. An automatic or involuntary reaction to a stimulus that occurs without conscious thought or deliberation
The patient's mechanical response to the doctor's reflex test indicated normal nerve function.
A resposta mecânica do paciente ao teste de reflexo do médico indicou função nervosa normal.
2. In engineering and physics, the physical response or behavior of a system or material when subjected to external forces or loads
The mechanical response of the bridge to wind forces was carefully analyzed by engineers.
A resposta mecânica da ponte às forças do vento foi cuidadosamente analisada pelos engenheiros.
3. A reaction or action performed in a routine, habitual manner without thinking or feeling genuine emotion
He gave only a mechanical response to her question, barely paying attention.
Ele deu apenas uma resposta mecânica à pergunta dela, mal prestando atenção.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'mechanical response' is commonly used in medical, engineering, and psychology fields. In everyday conversation, it often implies a lack of genuine engagement or emotional investment, suggesting someone is responding habitually rather than thoughtfully. This term has gained prominence in modern culture as a critique of robotic or disengaged behavior.
NYC Slang
autopilot response; knee-jerk reaction
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →