Definition
An automatic machine or device that is capable of performing actions or movements, often without the need for human intervention or control. Can also refer to a person who behaves in a mechanical or robotic manner, without thought or emotion.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Robot, machine, android, mechanical device, mechanical man, drone, puppet, clone.
Antonyms
Human, individual, free-willed, spontaneous, animated.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | automatons, automatics, automaton, automatic |
| Verb | automatizes, automatizing, automatized, automatize, automatise |
| Adjective | automatic |
| Adverb | automatically |
Example Sentences
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The factory used an army of automatons to perform repetitive tasks.
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He felt like an automaton, going through the motions of his daily routine without really thinking or feeling anything.
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The automaton chess player was actually controlled by a human operator, hidden inside the machine.
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The film’s villain was a cold-hearted automaton, devoid of any human emotions or empathy.
Usage
The word “automaton” can be used to describe a machine or device that is capable of performing actions or movements without the need for human intervention or control. This could refer to anything from a simple clockwork toy to a sophisticated robot capable of performing complex tasks. The word has its roots in the Greek word “automatos,” which means “self-moving.”
In addition to its use in reference to machines, “automaton” can also be used to describe a person who behaves in a mechanical or robotic manner, without thought or emotion. This could refer to someone who follows a strict routine without any variation, or someone who lacks spontaneity or creativity in their actions. In this sense, the word is often used to criticize or mock people who seem overly rigid or unthinking in their behavior.
There are a few related words that use prefixes or suffixes to modify the meaning of “automaton.” For example, “cyber-automaton” refers to a machine or device that is controlled by a computer or other digital technology. “Automatize” is a verb that means to make something automatic or mechanical in its operation. “Automatism” is a related noun that refers to the involuntary or automatic movements or behaviors of the body, such as those seen in sleepwalking or certain forms of epilepsy.
In popular culture, automatons have been a common subject of science fiction and fantasy stories, often portrayed as sentient or semi-sentient beings that possess their own will or consciousness. However, in reality, most automatons are simply machines or devices that are programmed or designed to perform specific functions, without any true consciousness or self-awareness.