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

Chalk it up to equal parts nostalgia that invites escapism and the recent success of Camille Miceli, who took over as the brand’s artistic director in 2021. —Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 13 May 2026

Feel-good party music is usually rooted in escapism, or simple obliviousness, while socially conscious art tends toward the bleak, especially these days. —Will Lynch, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026

An American doctor boarded a cruise ship expecting glaciers, whales and maybe a little escapism. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

These needs can involve escapism, the search for information, or social utility. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escapism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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