escape mechanism

noun

: a mode of behavior or thinking adopted to evade unpleasant facts or responsibilities

Examples of escape mechanism in a Sentence

She uses humor as an escape mechanism. Football gives him an escape mechanism for his anger.
Recent Examples on the Web Sill also grew up in an abusive home, and turned to a life of crime and drug usage as an escape mechanism. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024 The fail-safe escape mechanism on Alvin is a socket set in the floor of the passenger sphere. Robert Kunzig, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Biking during the pandemic became a lifesaving escape mechanism. Alix Strauss, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2022 The tail was gone, likely dropped as an escape mechanism, with a new tail not yet grown in. Sharman Apt Russell, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2015 But refusing to be downtrodden and using golf as an escape mechanism, Moore turned her passion into her career. Ben Morse, CNN, 24 Nov. 2020 Regardless of the bacteria’s escape mechanism, the experiment conjures questions about bacteria sophistication. Sophia Chen, Wired, 9 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'escape mechanism.' 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

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of escape mechanism was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near escape mechanism

Cite this Entry

“Escape mechanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escape%20mechanism. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

escape mechanism

noun
: a mode of behavior or thinking adopted to evade unpleasant facts or responsibilities : defense mechanism sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!