Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

escape mechanism

noun

/ɪˈskeɪp ˈmɛkənɪzəm/

Definition

An escape mechanism is a psychological strategy used by individuals to avoid dealing with uncomfortable or distressing feelings, situations, or realities.

Examples

When faced with failure, his escape mechanism was to immerse himself in video games.
Some people use humor as an escape mechanism to cope with difficult situations.

Meaning

It refers to behaviors or mental processes that help people cope with stress or anxiety by diverting attention away from the source of their discomfort.