escape mechanism
- noun
- /ɪˈskeɪp ˈmɛkənɪzəm/
:
mecanismo de escape
- Conversely, if taking time off work is simply used as an escape mechanism, it could be considered a reactive form of coping.
Examples
-
Some people use video games as an escape mechanism to disconnect from their everyday worries.
-
When faced with stress, many individuals resort to an escape mechanism like daydreaming to avoid their problems.
-
Jane's frequent shopping sprees became an escape mechanism that helped her avoid dealing with her anxiety.
Synonyms
39
3.7
Keeping away from something or stopping it from happening
10
5.3
A mental way a person uses without thinking to reduce strong anxious feelings
6
4.9
A quick move to avoid danger
6
7.7
A way to separate a memory from the feeling it first caused
How Avoidant
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a process that helps someone avoid unpleasant realities' is directly derivable from combining 'escape' (to avoid) with 'mechanism' (a method or system) — i.e. a method for escaping. This is a regular noun+noun composition found cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the intended psychological sense.
Etymology
Escape mechanism paints a clear picture: imagine a small device or secret door where escape means getting away and mechanism means a tool that makes it happen. So an escape mechanism is a habit in the mind people use to 'avoid facing' painful feelings or hard facts.