escapism

noun

es·​cap·​ism i-ˈskā-ˌpi-zəm 

: habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine

escapist

i-ˈskā-pist 

adjective or noun

Examples of escapism in a Sentence

Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Visitors who luck into discovering it, of which my wife and I are lucky enough to count ourselves among, are struck by the feeling of unplugged escapism. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Expect to wrestle with the grim power of propaganda and the dangerous riddle of just what is real, in what is surely a work of fantastic escapism … right? —Colin Dwyer, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel When designing the outdoor collection, Arnold combined Hollywood Regency glamour with English countryside elegance to evoke a sense of high-brow escapism. —Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025

Movies and theme parks both feature escapism elements. —Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escapism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

escapism

noun

es·​cap·​ism is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm 

: a habit of thinking or a form of entertainment about purely imaginary or amusing things that provides an escape from reality or everyday matters

escapist

-pəst 

adjective or noun

Medical Definition

escapism

noun

es·​cap·​ism is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm 

: habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine

escapist

-pəst 

adjective or noun