escapism
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of escapism
Explanation
Escapism is the tendency to withdraw from the world into daydreams or entertainment. If you find yourself watching hours of TV every day, you should ask yourself: is it escapism, or just a really exciting show? When life gets difficult, escapism gives people a way to take a break from reality. A person's escapism might consist of playing video games, reading books, or fantasizing about living in a foreign country. Some see escapism as negative, hiding an underlying sadness or depression, while others insist that everyone indulges in escapism to some extent. The word was first used in the 1930s by US psychologists.
Vocabulary lists containing escapism
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Escapism was something people were willing to spend on, Eastood says.
From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025
Backed by a miniature orchestra, she put a jazzy spin on hits like You Don't Know Me, Oscar Winning Tears and her award-winning psychodrama Escapism.
From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025
In November 2022, fan-made sped-up versions of RAYE’s single Escapism helped the artist to achieve her first ever number one on the UK Official Singles Chart, nearly three months after its original release.
From BBC • Aug. 17, 2024
The Escapism singer followed Aitch, Mabel, Rag'n'Bone Man and Griff, who also performed through the day on the Main Stage.
From BBC • May 25, 2024
The singer-songwriter decided to release them herself, and her song Escapism - which won Song of the Year - went viral on TikTok and then to number one.
From BBC • Mar. 2, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
