escapology

American

[ih-skey-pol-uh-jee, es-key-] / ɪ skeɪˈpɒl ə dʒi, ˌɛs keɪ- /

noun

Chiefly British.

the method or skill of extricating oneself from handcuffs, chains, etc., as of a magician or other performer.

Other Word Forms

escapologist noun

Etymology

Origin of escapology

First recorded in 1935–40; escape + -o- + -logy

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.

There was no act of escapology against Hibernian last week - and with a few minutes to go, you struggled to see one coming here.

From BBC

His team was hard-running and convincing, looking to all the world like they were going to complete an act of escapology with a winner.

From BBC

An act of escapology that made you rub your eyes in wonder, a footballing marvel that had the Tartan Army floating on air despite the gallons of beer in their bellies.

From BBC

The trainees have been taught juggling, escapology, stilt walking and magic as part of an Arts Council funded initiative to pass down the historic skills of the professional promenade performer.

From BBC

These failed hits enhanced his reputation for escapology, earning him the nickname "the cat with nine lives" among his enemies.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023