es·cap·ism

[ih-skey-piz-uhm]
noun
the avoidance of reality by absorption of the mind in entertainment or in an imaginative situation, activity, etc.

Origin:
1930–35; escape + -ism

es·cap·ist, adjective, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
escapism (ɪˈskeɪpɪzəm) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
an inclination to or habit of retreating from unpleasant or unacceptable reality, as through diversion or fantasy
 
es'capist
 
n, —adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Escapism is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

escapism
1933, from escape + -ism.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

escapism es·cap·ism (ĭ-skā'pĭz'əm)
n.
The tendency to escape from daily reality or routine by indulging in daydreaming, fantasy, or entertainment.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Example sentences
It comes as no surprise that moviegoers these days are desperate for escapism.
If you want safe escapism then knowing the ending is perfectly valid because
  you know you will get the ending you want.
Fear control is not solution-oriented and can be represented by denial,
  rationalization, and escapism.
To say more would give away too many delightful surprises about this hour of
  well-crafted escapism.
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