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Disappearance: meaning, definitions and examples

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disappearance

 

[ˌdɪsəˈpɪərəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mysterious

The act of vanishing or ceasing to exist, often in a mysterious or unexplained way. Disappearance can refer to a person, object, or even a concept.

Synonyms

absence, vanishing, vanishment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disappearance

When something or someone that was previously present is no longer seen or found. Often used in situations involving mystery or concern.

  • The disappearance of the keys puzzled everyone
  • The detective was investigating the sudden disappearance of a local child
vanishing

Implies a quick and often unexpected disappearance. It can suggest a sense of mystery or magic.

  • The magician's vanishing act amazed the audience
  • The fog was vanishing as the sun rose
absence

Refers to a state where someone or something is not present at a place or does not participate in something. It can be used in both neutral and formal contexts.

  • Her absence from the meeting was noted
  • The student's repeated absence from school is worrying
vanishment

A more archaic or poetic term for disappearance, suggesting something suddenly ceases to exist or be visible.

  • The vanishment of the ancient city remains a mystery to historians
  • The sudden vanishment of the light took them by surprise

Examples of usage

  • The disappearance of the missing hiker remains a mystery to this day.
  • The sudden disappearance of the ancient artifact baffled archaeologists.
  • Many conspiracy theories revolve around the disappearance of the famous celebrity.
Context #2 | Noun

criminal

The act of someone going missing against their will, often involving foul play or criminal activity. Disappearances of this nature are usually investigated by law enforcement.

Synonyms

abduction, kidnapping, missing person case.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disappearance

Used generally when someone or something is no longer present or cannot be found. It does not imply any specific reason for the absence, making it neutral in tone.

  • The alarm was raised about John's mysterious disappearance after he failed to come home.
  • The cat's disappearance left the family worried and puzzled.
abduction

Used when someone is taken away illegally, often by force. It has a serious and negative connotation, often implying criminal activity.

  • The police are investigating the abduction of a young girl from the park.
  • The movie is about an alien abduction.
kidnapping

Used specifically when a person is taken away and held against their will, usually for a ransom or other demands. It has a strong negative connotation and is considered a serious crime.

  • The billionaire's son was the victim of a high-profile kidnapping.
  • They were arrested for the kidnapping of a local business owner.
missing person case

Refers to a formal investigation by authorities when someone is reported missing. It is a neutral term often used in legal or procedural contexts.

  • The detectives are handling a missing person case involving a teenager who disappeared last week.
  • There have been multiple missing person cases reported in the area recently.

Examples of usage

  • The police launched an investigation into the disappearance of the young girl.
  • The disappearance of the valuable painting was believed to be an inside job.
  • Foul play was suspected in the disappearance of the businessman.
Context #3 | Noun

magic

In the context of magic tricks or illusions, disappearance refers to an object or person seemingly vanishing into thin air as part of a performance.

Synonyms

illusion, magic trick, vanishing act.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disappearance

Used to describe a situation when someone or something goes missing, often unexpectedly or mysteriously.

  • The disappearance of the ancient city remains a mystery
  • There has been no news since his sudden disappearance last week
vanishing act

Often informal, used to describe a situation where someone or something disappears suddenly and often unexpectedly, sometimes implying avoidance or trickery.

  • He pulled a vanishing act just when it was time to clean up
  • The documents did a vanishing act right before the audit
illusion

Refers to something that deceives the senses or mind, making something appear differently than it actually is.

  • The magician created the illusion of a floating woman
  • Her happiness was just an illusion, hiding her true feelings
magic trick

Used when referring to a performance by a magician designed to entertain and deceive the audience, making them believe the impossible.

  • He wowed the audience with an incredible magic trick
  • My favorite magic trick is when the magician pulls a rabbit out of a hat

Examples of usage

  • The magician's act featured a spectacular disappearance of a live dove.
  • The disappearance of the assistant from the locked box stunned the audience.
  • The illusionist's signature trick involved the disappearance of a large elephant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'disparoir,' which means to vanish.
  • It combines the prefix 'dis-' (to do the opposite) and 'appear,' literally meaning 'to stop appearing.'

History

  • Throughout history, unexplained disappearances have sparked many famous mysteries, such as the lost colony of Roanoke.
  • The Bermuda Triangle is notorious for the mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft, raising many theories over the years.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the sensation of disappearance can evoke emotions of anxiety or curiosity, especially in relation to loved ones.
  • The psychological impact of a disappearance can lead to prolonged grief, as loved ones grapple with uncertainty.

Literature

  • Disappearance motifs are common in literature, symbolizing loss or transformation, such as in Franz Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis.'
  • Classic mystery novels often revolve around a sudden disappearance, creating suspense and engaging readers, like Agatha Christie’s works.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Gone Girl' and 'The Vanishing' explore the themes of mysterious disappearances, captivating audiences worldwide.
  • Popular songs, such as 'Disappeared' by Hozier, convey feelings of loss and longing related to someone who is no longer present.

Translations

Translations of the word "disappearance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desaparecimento

🇮🇳 गायब होना

🇩🇪 Verschwinden

🇮🇩 hilangnya

🇺🇦 зникнення

🇵🇱 zniknięcie

🇯🇵 消失

🇫🇷 disparition

🇪🇸 desaparición

🇹🇷 kaybolma

🇰🇷 사라짐

🇸🇦 اختفاء

🇨🇿 zmizení

🇸🇰 zmiznutie

🇨🇳 消失

🇸🇮 izginotje

🇮🇸 hvarf

🇰🇿 жоғалу

🇬🇪 გაქრობა

🇦🇿 itmə

🇲🇽 desaparición

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,600 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.