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.
Kelly: Escapism… it sounds like it's really important to you.
From BBC • Aug. 23, 2025
Raye was allowed to keep the songs she had written, and ultimately found huge success as a solo artist after Escapism became a viral hit.
From BBC • Oct. 25, 2024
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 singer, whose hits include Worth It, Prada and Escapism, won the same prize at the Brit Awards in March.
From BBC • May 23, 2024
Mrs Hamilton presented the Song of the Year award to Raye for Escapism, a track which also featured the artist 070 Shake.
From BBC • Mar. 3, 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.
