escapism

American  

[ih-skey-piz-uhm] / ɪˈskeɪ pɪz əm /

noun

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

---

escapism British  

/ ɪˈskeɪpɪzəm /

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

• escapist adjective

Etymology

Origin of escapism

First recorded in 1930–35; escape + -ism

Example Sentences

But then I’ve never understood escapism in the context of workplace comedy, romantic travails or contemporary political drama.

From The Wall Street Journal

You wouldn’t think a movie with such heavy topics would count as escapism.

From Los Angeles Times

“So I bury my head into work. My escapism is the cruel reality of the city right now.”

From Los Angeles Times

"At the end of the day, what do you get remembered for? Making a shed load of money or creating something that brings genuine pleasure, happiness and escapism to people," she said.

From BBC

Nowadays, they qualify as escapism confirming our assumptions about ridiculous, rapacious people, which is terribly fun.

From Salon

Related Words

• evasion
• prevention
• restraint