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

The movie is pure escapism.

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

The tongue-in-cheek and gleefully gory remake of a 1980s action fantasy is here for those needing some absurd escapism. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

So while it’s deeply associated with empathy, imagination and mysticism, illusion and escapism are no exception. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

Enter Twinpalms Bangtao Phuket Tented Resort, the hideaway designed for those yearning for escapism. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

Lest film noir be seen as purely the stuff of escapism, the hosts note that many of these music-centric films deal with issues of race and/or personal economics. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026

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