escape mechanism

NOUN

strategy to avoid unpleasant realities

Synonyms

WEAK

avoidance reaction bunker atmosphere bunker mentality defense mechanism defenses ego defenses negative taxis negative tropism psychological defenses

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This magical escape mechanism helps you brace for the discomfort of, say, an inevitable murder, awkward dialogue or the horrifying extracurricular activities of “Euphoria’s” troubled teens.

From Washington Post

"It was my escape mechanism," she told the programme.

From BBC

They need that escape mechanism from how harsh life can be.”

From The Guardian

"It's not an aggressive attack, it's an escape mechanism," explains Shears.

From BBC

On the private industry side of LESs, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule incorporates the rocket motors of the escape mechanism into the sides of the capsule itself, instead of mounting the LES on top.

From Time