'mechanistic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mēkhanē' (μηχανή), where 'mēkhanē' meant 'device, machine'.

'mechanistic' developed via Latin 'mechanicus' and French 'mécanique', entered English as 'mechanic'/'mechanical', and later formed as 'mechanistic' by adding the suffix '-istic' (from Greek '-istikos' through Latin/French).

Initially it meant 'relating to machines or mechanical principles', but over time it evolved to include the sense 'explaining phenomena in purely mechanical terms' and the figurative sense 'rigid or overly simplistic'.