escape mechanism

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. a means of avoiding an unpleasant life situation, as daydreaming.

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escape mechanism British  

noun

1. psychol any emotional or mental mechanism that enables a person to avoid acknowledging unpleasant or threatening realities See also escapism

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Etymology

Origin of escape mechanism

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

So how do the lizards activate their escape mechanism when needed?

From Science Magazine

"It was my escape mechanism," she told the programme.

From BBC

They need that escape mechanism from how harsh life can be.”

From The Guardian

"It's not an aggressive attack, it's an escape mechanism," explains Shears.

From BBC

On the private industry side of LESs, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule incorporates the rocket motors of the escape mechanism into the sides of the capsule itself, instead of mounting the LES on top.

From Time