escape artist

noun

1. an entertainer expert in getting out of handcuffs, ropes, chains, trunks, or other confining devices.
2. an inmate of a prison who has a reputation for being able to escape confinement.

Word History and Origins

Origin of escape artist¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The novel is a gifted escape artist, skilled at shrugging off the chains of any definition.

From The Daily Beast

And on September 1, the History Channel will air a two-part miniseries starring Adrien Brody as the famous escape artist.

From The Daily Beast

He watched and listened like a detective shadowing an escape artist.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• escapologist
• Houdini