Vanishing

/ˈvænɪʃɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
Present participle of vanish; to disappear suddenly or gradually.
The magician performed a trick, and the rabbit was vanishing before our eyes.
To cease to exist or to be in use.
The old traditions are slowly vanishing in the face of modernity.
To fade away or to become less visible.
As the sun set, the colors in the sky were vanishing into the night.
adjective
Disappearing or likely to disappear.
The vanishing point in the painting draws the viewer into the scene.
Existing only temporarily.
The artist captured the beauty of the vanishing landscape before it changed forever.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'vanish', which comes from Old French 'vanir' meaning to disappear, and from Latin 'vanescere' meaning to vanish or fade.

Common Phrases and Expressions

vanishing act
A sudden disappearance or an act that involves disappearing.
vanishing point
The point at which parallel lines appear to converge in perspective.
vanishingly small
So small as to be almost nonexistent.

Related Words

vanish
To disappear suddenly and completely.
disappear
To cease to be visible or exist.
eliminate
To remove or get rid of something.

Slang Meanings

To leave without saying goodbye.
He just vanished without a trace after the party.
To retreat or withdraw quickly.
She vanishes when things get too intense.