Escapism: meaning, definitions and examples

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escapism

 

[ ษชหˆskeษชpษชzษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escapismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคฐเคพเคถเคพ เคธเฅ‡ เคฌเคšเคพเคต

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Eskapismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pelarian

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตัะบะฐะฟั–ะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ eskapizm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚จใ‚นใ‚ซใƒ”ใ‚บใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉvasion

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ escapismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kaรงฤฑลŸรงฤฑlฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํƒˆ์ถœ์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู‡ุฑูˆุจ ู…ู† ุงู„ูˆุงู‚ุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ eskapismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ eskapizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€ƒ้ฟไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ eskapizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ flรณtti

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐัˆัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ•แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaรงฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ escapismo

Etymology

The term 'escapism' was first coined in the early 20th century, deriving from the verb โ€˜escapeโ€™. 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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,570 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.