Disappear: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when something or someone that was previously visible or present is no longer there, often suddenly and sometimes mysteriously. It can be used in both a literal and metaphorical sense.

• The magician made the coin disappear into thin air.
• She seemed to disappear into the crowd.

This word implies a sudden or mysterious disappearance. It often has a slightly more dramatic or magical connotation.

• The cat seemed to vanish right before our eyes.
• All the cookies vanished from the jar, and no one knew who took them.

This word is best used when referring to the physical change from liquid to vapor. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something gradually diminishing or vanishing.

• The water will evaporate if you leave it out in the sun.
• His excitement evaporated once he learned the truth.

Use 'fade' for situations where something loses its brightness, color, or clarity over time. This word often implies a slow, gradual change.

• The colors of the painting began to fade after years of exposure to sunlight.
• Her memories of that day started to fade as time passed.

This word is used to describe defeating an opponent or enemy completely, often in a battle or competition. It holds a strong, triumphant connotation and is not typically used for literal disappearances.

• The hero vanquished the evil sorcerer and restored peace to the kingdom.
• She was determined to vanquish her fears and conquer the challenge.

When something or someone is no longer visible or in existence, often used in a general or everyday context.

• The cat seemed to disappear into thin air.
• All the evidence for the case suddenly disappeared.

Often used in a dramatic or mysterious context when something disappears suddenly and completely.

• The magician made the rabbit vanish from the hat.
• The ancient civilization seemed to vanish without a trace.

Used primarily in a technological or formal context when removing data, files, or written text.

• I accidentally deleted all my emails.
• Make sure to delete any unnecessary files from your computer.

Used in a broad range of contexts when taking something away from a place or position.

• Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
• The moderator removed the inappropriate comment from the forum.

Used when removing written or recorded material, often in both physical and digital contexts.

• She erased the notes from the whiteboard.
• I need to erase the old data on this disk.