escapism

[ih-skey-piz-uhm]

noun

1. the avoidance of reality by absorption of the mind in entertainment or in an imaginative situation, activity, etc.

escapism

/ ɪˈskeɪpɪzəm /

noun

1. an inclination to or habit of retreating from unpleasant or unacceptable reality, as through diversion or fantasy

Other Word Forms

• escapist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of escapism¹

First recorded in 1930–35; escape + -ism

Example Sentences

But, as the world becomes more connected, it seems such escapism cannot escape the attention of some of the causes.

From BBC

"At the end of the day, it's about escapism," Varun explains, pointing to how he feels about the current state of the world.

From BBC

She says she often comes for weekends and that it was an "escapism from everyday life".

From BBC

“Horror movies are a form of adrenaline-pumping escapism and so is exercise,” says Decker, when asked how the idea of melding horror and fitness came to be.

From Los Angeles Times

As for critics, some have continued to dismiss many reality TV shows as superficial escapism, at best - or, at worst, harmfully divisive.

From BBC

Related Words

• evasion 
• prevention 
• restraint