automaton

• Ein Automat ist eine Maschine oder Vorrichtung, die nach einem festgelegten Programm selbstständig Abläufe ausführt. Im übertragenen Sinn bezeichnet das Wort auch einen Menschen, der mechanisch, gefühllos oder ohne eigenen Willen handelt.

A noun referring to a mechanism that can move automatically, or a person who acts in a mechanical or apathetic way.

1. Mechanical beingB2formal

   A self-operating machine or mechanism that performs tasks automatically, often resembling a human or animal.

   Automat

   • The museum displayed an antique automaton that could write.
   • Engineers built an automaton to assemble small parts.
   • The clock tower features an automaton that strikes the hour.

   Synonymeandroidmachinemechanical manrobot

2. Unthinking personB2formal

   A person who acts in a mechanical, routine, or unemotional manner, as if without free will.

   Automat

   • After years of repetitive work, he became an automaton.
   • She answered the questions like an automaton, without any emotion.
   • The crowd moved like automatons through the factory gates.

   Synonymedrudgemachinepuppetrobotsleepwalker