Escapist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
escapist
[ษชหskeษชpษชst ]
Definitions
person who seeks to escape from reality
An escapist is someone who avoids reality by engaging in activities or fantasies that help them disconnect from their everyday life. Escapists often use entertainment, such as books, movies, or video games, as a way to escape from their problems or responsibilities.
Synonyms
daydreamer, dreamer, fantasizer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| escapist |
Used to describe someone who often avoids real life by indulging in entertainment or fantasy. Can be neutral or negative depending on context.
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| dreamer |
Describes someone with big ideas or ambitions, often seen as having an optimistic or imaginative outlook. Typically positive.
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| daydreamer |
Refers to a person who often dreams or thinks about pleasant things instead of paying attention to their surroundings. Generally neutral, sometimes with a positive or negative nuance.
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| fantasizer |
Describes someone who often imagines things that are not real or creates elaborate fantasies. Can have a slightly negative connotation if used to imply lack of reality.
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Examples of usage
- He's such an escapist, always lost in a fantasy world.
- She turned to reading as an escapist coping mechanism.
relating to escapism
Escapist is used to describe anything that provides an escape from reality or routine. It can refer to books, movies, games, or any other form of entertainment that allows people to disconnect from their everyday lives.
Synonyms
fantasy, imaginative, unrealistic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| escapist |
Used when referring to someone who seeks distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by engaging in entertainment or fantasy.
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| fantasy |
Suitable for describing a genre of fiction that involves magical or supernatural elements that do not exist in the real world.
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| imaginative |
Best used when talking about someone who has a creative and inventive mind, like an artist or a writer.
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| unrealistic |
This term is appropriate when describing ideas, plans, or expectations that are not practical or possible in reality. It often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The movie had an escapist plot that took viewers to a different world.
- She enjoyed the escapist nature of the fantasy novel.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many classic novels are seen as escapist, like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' where readers are transported to a whimsical dream world.
- The genre of fantasy is a popular form of escapism, allowing readers to immerse themselves in magical worlds and adventures.
- Authors like J.K. Rowling and C.S. Lewis have created whole realms that provide relief from reality, showcasing escapism's appeal in literature.
Psychology
- Escapism can be a coping mechanism, helping individuals deal with stress and anxiety by distracting them from their problems.
- Research shows that engaging in escapist activities, like watching movies or playing games, can enhance mood and provide temporary relief.
- While some escapism can be healthy, excessive reliance on it might lead to avoidance of real-life responsibilities and challenges.
Pop Culture
- Movies and television often cater to escapist desires, with blockbusters like 'Star Wars' and 'The Lord of the Rings' offering grand adventures far from everyday life.
- Video games, such as 'The Sims' and 'World of Warcraft,' allow players to create alternate existences, embodying escapist fantasies in interactive formats.
- The rise of streaming services has made it easier than ever for people to indulge in escapism, providing endless options for fantasy and adventure.
Origin of 'escapist'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'escapist' originates from the verb 'escape,' which comes from the Latin 'excapere,' meaning 'to catch or remove from a place.'
- It first appeared in English literature in the late 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in fanciful and dreamlike experiences.
- The suffix '-ist' indicates a person who engages in a particular activity, thus framing escapism as a distinctive behavior.
The word 'escapist' originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the word 'escape', which comes from Old North French and ultimately from the Latin 'ex- (out of)' and 'cappa (cape)'. The concept of escapism has been present in human culture for centuries, with people seeking ways to temporarily avoid the challenges of reality.
See also: escape, escapee, inescapable, inescapably.