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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Legendary Frybread Drive-In
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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.
Sheeran said he intends his concerts and music to be a space for “unity, joy, escapism, love and a place for everyone to feel welcome.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
These more negative reviews perhaps shouldn't be seen as an indicator of how Elle will be received by viewers, many who just want some easy-watching escapism.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
To some, what we call the Great American Songbook is pure romantic escapism, mired in fantasy and pointedly unrealistic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Its reality format allows for perfect projection and escapism: no coordinating specialists and home care agencies, certainly no paternal tantrums.
From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026
She’s always worried about complaining or bringing too much real life into the escapism.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
