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

Typically, people lean into escapism to avoid following through on obligations like cleaning the house or completing a project, or having challenging conversations. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025

The antithesis of her previous upbeat pop album, Folklore documents Swift’s experiments with an alternative indie style inspired by a pursuit of escapism that was satiated by the fictional tales told through folksongs. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025

Even in a 2-1 loss, the trip to Leicester amounted to an afternoon of escapism for Wednesday’s supporters. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025

Others, however, believe the genre is fun and represents a fleeting moment of social escapism, and the discourse is par for the course for varying music tastes. —Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 8 Aug. 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