Meaning & Definition
noun
The act or process of disappearing; the condition of being lost or no longer visible.
The sudden disappearance of the plane caused widespread panic.
The state of being no longer present or existent.
Scientists are studying the disappearance of certain animal species from the planet.
An event in which someone or something goes missing.
The mysterious disappearance of the child left the community in shock.
The gradual process of becoming less visible or obvious.
The disappearance of the sun behind the clouds signaled the approaching storm.
The cessation of existence or the vanishing from a particular location.
Her disappearance from the social scene raised a lot of questions among her friends.
Etymology
From the Middle French 'disparition' and Latin 'disparitio', meaning 'to vanish' or 'to go away'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
disappearance act:
A performance that involves a quick change or vanish.
mysterious disappearance:
A case where someone or something goes missing without explanation.
sudden disappearance:
An abrupt vanishing that can take people by surprise.
Slang Meanings
Gone without a trace.
He just went poof and his stuff was all gone — total disappearance.
Absconding or taking off quickly.
She pulled a Houdini and made a disappearance just before the bill arrived.