Is there a single word which describes someone who is trying to hide from the truth? For example, when my acquaintance's father died, she went on living and believing that her father was still alive and was on an overseas trip. What is the term for this condition?
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4 Answers
In that context it's called denial.
denial -n
A psychological process by which painful truths are not admitted into an individual's consciousness
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5Did she believe her father had taken a trip to Egypt? Maybe a river cruise?– MT_HeadCommented May 17, 2011 at 2:19
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3+1 That's a perfect word in this context. Denial is the first stage of the 5 stages of grief (or coping with someone's death): denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.– b.rothCommented May 17, 2011 at 10:23
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Example usage, "My acquaintance is living in denial of her father's death."– WayneCommented May 17, 2011 at 15:40
In my view "delusion" would be an appropriate word to describe your example.
I think Bogdan's suggestion of escapism fits the bill
noun
The tendency to escape from daily reality or routine by indulging in daydreaming, fantasy, or entertainment.
so that person would be an escapist
noun
Someone who wants to escape; especially from reality
answered May 17, 2011 at 7:02
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2This is a related word, but it does not really apply to the OP. I will update my post with a definition.– jsjCommented May 17, 2011 at 10:10
Aside from the excellent suggestion of denial, other workable terms:
- irrational
- disconnected
- lost
- out of touch
- crazy
