Word
escapism
Phoneticses·capism
US/ɪˈskeɪˌpɪzəm/
UK/ɛskˈeɪpɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a way of avoiding boring or stressful parts of real life by getting lost in books, films, games, or daydreams. You turn to it when you want a short break from reality.
n. a tendency to seek distraction from unpleasant reality through fantasy, entertainment, or imagination. Often implies avoidance of responsibility when used critically.
Examples
“She loves fantasy novels as pure escapism.”
“After long shifts at the hospital, he finds escapism in video games for an hour each evening.”
“Critics argue that the novel offers more than escapism, using its imagined world to reflect on grief and memory.”
Examples
simple
“She loves fantasy novels as pure escapism.”
contextual
“After long shifts at the hospital, he finds escapism in video games for an hour each evening.”
complex
“Critics argue that the novel offers more than escapism, using its imagined world to reflect on grief and memory.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “escapism” in context.
Verb
01. crave escapism
“Stressed nurses often crave escapism at the end of a night shift.”
verb + noun
02. escapism appeals
“Escapism appeals to anyone feeling bored or overwhelmed by life.”
noun + verb
03. indulge in escapism
“On Sundays he indulges in escapism with video games and comics.”
verb + prep + noun
04. offer escapism
“The fantasy series offers escapism from daily pressure and boredom.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. harmless escapism
“Gaming after work is harmless escapism for many young adults.”
adj + noun
06. nostalgic escapism
“The retro game offers nostalgic escapism to players in their thirties.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. bit of escapism
“We all need a bit of escapism after a stressful day.”
noun + prep + noun
08. element of escapism
“There is an element of escapism in every superhero movie.”
noun + prep + noun
09. form of escapism
“Reading science fiction is a popular form of escapism.”
noun + prep + noun
10. indulge in harmless escapism
“After exams, students indulge in harmless escapism with films.”
11. need a bit of escapism
“After a tough week, I need a bit of escapism.”
12. offer pure escapism
“The beach resort offers pure escapism from city life.”
Real-World Examples
“The findings indicate that 42% of respondents are inclined to watch films as a means of escapism, with the largest percentages coming from Turkey (67%), India (61%), South Korea (54%), and Australia (52%).” “Players of violent video games believe they are just "exhilarating" escapism which does not desensitize them to real-life mayhem, according to a new survey of one of the entertainment industry's fastest growing sectors.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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