escapism

noun

es·​cap·​ism i-ˈskā-ˌpi-zəm How to pronounce escapism (audio)
: habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine
escapist adjective or noun

Examples of escapism in a Sentence

Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for escapism

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of escapism was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escapism. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

escapism

noun
es·​cap·​ism is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm How to pronounce escapism (audio)
: 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 adjective or noun

Medical Definition

escapism

noun
es·​cap·​ism is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm How to pronounce escapism (audio)
: habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine
escapist adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on escapism

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