carnal oblivion

Engaging in intense sex with the intent to forget painful memories or escape fears or anxiety.

From the book Sophie's Choice by William Styron when the narrator Stingo describes Sophie's motivation for making love with him. "...it was also a plunge into carnal oblivion and a flight from memory and grief....it was a frantic and orgiastic attempt to beat back death."

Fred, who was overwhelmed with grief from the death of his wife, entered into carnal oblivion with the prostitute.

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