escapologist
Bound performer freed
An escapologist is a performer who specializes in escaping from restraints—handcuffs, straitjackets, locked containers, or elaborate physical traps.
The term is more common in British English; Americans tend to say escape artist.
Harry Houdini remains the most famous practitioner.
Figuratively, someone skilled at evading difficult situations: He's an escapologist when it comes to household chores.
Garment restricting arm movement
- handcuffsLocking wrist restraints
- shacklesMetal bonds for prisoners
- chainsLinked metal restraints
- restraintsThings that hold back
lockpick · confinement · water tank · buried alive · extrication · wriggle · dislocate · contortion
Famous escape artist
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- spectacleVisually striking event
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
- death-defyingRisking life boldly
suspense · audience · countdown · assistant · apparatus · reveal · timing · rehearsal
Performer of illusions
- illusionistPerformer of visual deception
- stuntmanPerformer of dangerous scenes
- contortionistOne who bends extremely
- acrobatAgile circus performer
conjuror · mentalist · daredevil · sideshow · vaudeville · circus · variety · busker
Intentional focus manipulation
- sleightDexterous trickery
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- palmingHiding object in hand
muscle control · timing · practice · precision · endurance · pain tolerance · body awareness
straitjacket
Garment restricting arm movement
restraints · lockpick · confinement · water tank · buried alive · extrication · wriggle · dislocate · contortion · breath control
Houdini
Famous escape artist
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- spectacleVisually striking event
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
death-defying · suspense · audience · countdown · assistant · apparatus · reveal · timing · rehearsal · danger
magician
Performer of illusions
- illusionistPerformer of visual deception
- stuntmanPerformer of dangerous scenes
- contortionistOne who bends extremely
acrobat · conjuror · mentalist · daredevil · sideshow · vaudeville · circus · variety · busker · street performer
misdirection
Intentional focus manipulation
- sleightDexterous trickery
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- concealmentAct of hiding something
palming · muscle control · timing · practice · precision · endurance · pain tolerance · body awareness
- daredevilsbase jumper, stuntwoman, stuntman, cliff diver, stunt driver
- performersactor, dancer, actress, singer, musician
escapologistjailer
Prison guard
captor · kidnapper · restrainer · detainer · imprisoner