escapism
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
But beyond the delicious escapism, Francis brings us a story that shows the beauty of building community and making space for yourself to belong.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
“We certainly are living in a time where we have enough we can look around and feel pessimistic,” Tarses said, “but I don’t think this is escapism, and I don’t really see this as aspirational.”
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
Movies and other forms of entertainment thrived in tough economic times by appealing to people’s need for escapism.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Varvara now cares for her husband's two children from a previous marriage -- something she calls "a form of escapism", and which has reinforced her decision to stay quiet.
From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026
The flickering images offered escapism and a muscular dose of patriotism.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
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.
