Meaning & Definition of word "Disappearance"

Disappearance

/ˌdɪsəˈpɪərəns/

noun:

  • 1. The act or process of disappearing; the condition of being lost or no longer visible.
    • Example: The sudden disappearance of the plane caused widespread panic.
  • 2. The state of being no longer present or existent.
    • Example: Scientists are studying the disappearance of certain animal species from the planet.
  • 3. An event in which someone or something goes missing.
    • Example: The mysterious disappearance of the child left the community in shock.
  • 4. The gradual process of becoming less visible or obvious.
    • Example: The disappearance of the sun behind the clouds signaled the approaching storm.
  • 5. The cessation of existence or the vanishing from a particular location.
    • Example: 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.

Related Words

vanish:

To disappear suddenly and completely.

vanishing:

The process of becoming nonexistent or invisible.

absent:

Not present in a place or situation.

Slang Meanings of disappearance

Meaning: Gone without a trace.

Example Sentence: He just went poof and his stuff was all gone — total disappearance.

Meaning: Absconding or taking off quickly.

Example Sentence: She pulled a Houdini and made a disappearance just before the bill arrived.