The scientific study of the mechanical behaviour of rock and rock masses under the influence of force fields.

The study of the mechanical properties of rocks, which includes stress conditions around mine openings and the ability of rocks and underground structures to withstand these stresses.

the theoretical and applied science of the mechanical behavior of rocks, representing a "branch of mechanics concerned with the response of rock to the force fields of its physical environment."

Rock mechanics is the theoretical and applied science of the mechanical behaviour of rock and rock masses; it is that branch of mechanics concerned with the response of rock and rock masses to the force fields of their physical environment. Rock mechanics itself forms part of the broader subject of geomechanics which is concerned with the mechanical responses of all geological materials, including soils. Rock mechanics, as applied in mining engineering practice, is concerned with the application of the principles of engineering mechanics to the design of the rock structures generated by mining activity, e.g. tunnels, mining shafts, underground excavations, open pit mines.