Disappear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disappear

[ˌdɪs.əˈpɪər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

magic

To disappear means to vanish suddenly or completely, as if by magic. It can also refer to someone or something going out of sight or becoming hidden.

Synonyms

evaporate, fade, vanish, vanquish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disappear	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.
vanish	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.
evaporate	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.
fade	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.
vanquish	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.

Examples of usage

He disappeared into thin air.
The magician made the rabbit disappear from the hat.
The sun disappeared behind the clouds.
The ghost disappeared when the clock struck midnight.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

internet

In the context of the internet, to disappear refers to data or information that is no longer accessible or visible online.

Synonyms

delete, erase, remove, vanish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disappear	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.
vanish	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.
delete	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.
remove	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.
erase	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.

Examples of usage

The post disappeared from the website.
The email disappeared from my inbox.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, the notion of matter 'disappearing' can refer to the process of matter being converted into energy, as described by Einstein’s equation E=mc².
Optical illusions can create a perception of objects disappearing by altering the way light reflects and refracts.
In environmental science, species disappearance can occur due to habitat loss and climate change, leading to extinction.

Culture

In literature, many stories explore themes of characters disappearing, reflecting on loss, fate, and the unknown.
In film, typical tropes involve a character vanishing, often used to create suspense or mystery.
Magical realism as a genre often features everyday objects or people disappearing, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Psychology

The phenomenon of being ignored or forgotten is often described as feeling invisible, a powerful emotional experience many face.
In cognitive psychology, our minds can 'disappear' memories if we don't actively recall or preserve them, leading to gaps in our recollection.
Childhood studies show that children often cope with anxiety by imagining things or people they dislike 'disappearing' as a coping mechanism.

Magic and Illusions

The art of making things disappear is a classic part of magic shows, using misdirection to create the illusion of vanishing.
Famous magicians like David Copperfield have performed tricks where objects or even people seemingly disappear from the stage.
The concept of illusions and disappearance is rooted in the ancient art of sleight of hand, which remains popular today.

Origin of 'disappear'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French term 'disparoistre', which means 'to cease to appear'.
The prefix 'dis-' indicates removal, while 'appear' connects to visibility, showing the action of losing sight.
It has been in use since the late 15th century, capturing the essence of both literal and metaphorical absence.

The word 'disappear' originated from the combination of 'dis-' (indicating reversal) and 'appear' (to come into sight). Its usage dates back to the 15th century, evolving over time to convey the idea of vanishing or becoming unseen suddenly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,515 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5514 invest
5515 disappear
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5517 requisite
5518 procurement
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