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
The movie is pure escapism.
es·cap·ist
-pə̇st
plural -s
: one that escapes
specifically
: one guilty of or given to escapism
the … idyllic ecstasy of a romantic primitivist or escapist —
Douglas Bush
Douglas Bush he has been called an escapist, a perennial tenant of the ivory tower, a man who writes about life while taking great pains to remain aloof from it —W. M. Kunstler
W. M. Kunstler a daydreamer, an escapist, a lover of peace —William Saroyan
William Saroyan
: befitting an escapist or escapism
escapist visions
escapist literature
Examples of escapism in a Sentence
Noun (1)
Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Across both halves, Jepsen explores love, anxiety, joy, fear, escapism and the strange emotions that live somewhere in between.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
22 June 2026
Spirit aperitifs are attractive for a number of reasons, including the popularity of lower alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks as a result of generations drinking less than ever before as well as escapism drinking trends.
—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
And the escapism of the tabloids is something that is, in a way, very soothing for people.
—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
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Noun
Lectra said sequins are up 40 percent and fringe 34 percent this spring and summer season—a signal that consumers crave escapism and individuality.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Across both halves, Jepsen explores love, anxiety, joy, fear, escapism and the strange emotions that live somewhere in between.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
22 June 2026
Spirit aperitifs are attractive for a number of reasons, including the popularity of lower alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks as a result of generations drinking less than ever before as well as escapism drinking trends.
—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
And the escapism of the tabloids is something that is, in a way, very soothing for people.
—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escapism. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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