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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
Examples of escapism in a Sentence
Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.
Recent Examples on the Web
What follows is a riveting fantasy drama that inspires escapism and suspense in equal measure.
—Kevin Jacobsen and Sarah Perchikoff, EW.com, 21 May 2024
Whether it be rooted in escapism, affirmation, or reclamation of self under the patriarchal gaze, the significance of this social-beauty trend’s popularity in today’s climate is not to be overlooked.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024
The lineup will Keep the Party Going by playing renditions of Buffett’s hits, which famously embraced a sunny, island escapism lifestyle.
Closer to the show, additional performers are set to be announced.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024
Radu’s road-movie premise recalls Jean-Luc Godard’s apocalyptic Weekend (1968), once considered Godard’s greatest film, before dystopian movies became comic-book escapism.
—Armond White, National Review, 22 Mar. 2024
Located among 85 acres of surrounding jungle, Garza Blanca has distinct escapism vibes.
—Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024
Organizers envision their events as spaces for escapism and community.
—Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 17 Mar. 2024
In scenes that find the Höss family in repose on the banks of the Sola, sound creates a canopy of futile escapism — the woodpeckers echoing the machine guns, the turtledoves grieving in the trees, the unceasing wails of Hedwig’s baby Annagret.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024
All of them hark back to a rowdy, rough-and-tumble time when movies were content to be vessels of visceral wish fulfillment and mindless, instantly disposable escapism.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'escapism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1933, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near escapism
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escapism. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on escapism
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for escapism
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