verb (used with object), ex·as·per·at·ed, ex·as·per·at·ing. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely: He was exasperated by the senseless delays.

Exacerbate is related to the adjective acrid, often used to describe sharp-smelling smoke. Think of exacerbate then as a sharp or bitter thing that makes something worse. A drought will exacerbate a country’s food shortage.

transitive verb. : to make more violent, bitter, or severe The new law only exacerbates the problem.

In an exasperating manner; frustratingly.

extremely annoyed, especially if you cannot do anything to improve the situation synonym infuriate “Why won’t you answer me?” he asked in an exasperated voice.

: to get away from or avoid meeting directly evade a question. evade. transitive verb. / i-ˈvād / evaded; evading.

1. to escape or avoid (verb) eveda2.

The American Psychology Association defines escapism as the tendency to escape from the real world to the safety and comfort of a fantasy world. Since life is innately stressful, coping strategies are essential to making it through each day.

But what’s the difference between escapism and expansion? Escapism is using travel to “get away from it all.” It’s to believe that just taking a break from your life will solve any of your issues. It’s the belief that travel is some magical thing that makes life easier or worth living for.

How to Wean Yourself Off of Escapism

1. Enforce the “Real Life-Right Now” Rule.
2. Redefine What It Means to Escape.
3. Identify What You’re Trying to Avoid (and Why)
4. Aim for Smaller Doses of Escapism.
5. “Escape” to the World You’re Already In.

Our imaginations can be a wonderful thing for alleviating stress. It offers us time and space to better deal with our problems. Escapism, in whatever form works for you, can be beneficial at offering you the space and breathing room you need whenever the pressures of life get too much.

Instead of venting your emotions, sometimes it’s better to shift your awareness toward something different. This is the power of “healthy escapism.” There’s a popular theory in psychology called catharsis, which is basically the idea that you just need to express yourself to “release” negative emotions.

Many people during the Great Depression found escape by getting into their cars and driving. Sometimes they had no idea where they would end up or where they wanted to go—they just got into their cars and drove.

D. Germany