Escapism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
escapism
[ ษชหskeษชpษชzษm ]
psychological concept
Escapism refers to the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, often through fantasy, daydreaming, or immersion in fictional worlds. This psychological phenomenon allows individuals to cope with stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction in their lives. While escapism can provide temporary relief, it may also lead to avoidance behaviors that hinder personal growth or confrontation with real-life issues. It is a common response to life's challenges and is often expressed through literature, film, and other forms of art.
Synonyms
avoidance, daydreaming, dissociation, fantasy
Examples of usage
- Reading fantasy novels can be a form of escapism.
- Many people turn to movies as a means of escapism.
- Video games often provide an effective escapism from daily stress.
Translations
Translations of the word "escapism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น escapismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคจเคฟเคฐเคพเคถเคพ เคธเฅ เคฌเคเคพเคต
๐ฉ๐ช Eskapismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ pelarian
๐บ๐ฆ ะตัะบะฐะฟัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ eskapizm
๐ฏ๐ต ใจในใซใใบใ
๐ซ๐ท รฉvasion
๐ช๐ธ escapismo
๐น๐ท kaรงฤฑลรงฤฑlฤฑk
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์ถ์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงููุฑูุจ ู ู ุงููุงูุน
๐จ๐ฟ eskapismus
๐ธ๐ฐ eskapizmus
๐จ๐ณ ้้ฟไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ eskapizem
๐ฎ๐ธ flรณtti
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qaรงฤฑล
๐ฒ๐ฝ escapismo
Word origin
The term 'escapism' was first coined in the early 20th century, deriving from the verb โescapeโ. The root 'scape' comes from the Old English word 'sceapian,' which means 'to skip or to evade.' Originally, it indicated a physical act of fleeing from constraints or unpleasant situations. However, the modern understanding has evolved to encompass not just physical escape but also psychological and emotional relief. As society progressed through the tumultuous events of the 20th century, the term gained traction, particularly during the two World Wars, when many turned to various forms of media and entertainment for reprieve from the harsh realities of life. The concept of escapism has since permeated various aspects of culture and society, including literature, film, and gaming, becoming a significant lens through which individuals can process their experiences and emotions.