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Disappearing act: meaning, definitions and examples

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disappearing act

[ ˌdɪs.əˈpɪə.rɪŋ ækt ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

magic show trick

A disappearing act is a magic trick where something or someone disappears suddenly from view, often as part of a performance or show. The magician typically uses sleight of hand or other techniques to create the illusion of something vanishing into thin air.

Synonyms

illusion of disappearance, vanishing trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disappearing act	Used mostly in informal settings to describe someone who suddenly leaves or becomes unavailable without warning, especially to avoid responsibilities or commitments. It often carries a slightly negative connotation. He pulled a disappearing act just when we needed him most. After the party, she did a disappearing act and we didn’t see her for the rest of the week.
vanishing trick	Often used to describe a magic trick where an object or person seemingly disappears. This term is informal and commonly used in the context of describing magic performances or playful scenarios. The children were amazed by the magician's vanishing trick. He showed us a classic vanishing trick with a coin at the party.
illusion of disappearance	Typically used in discussions related to magic, performance arts, or situations where an effect of disappearance is carefully crafted but isn't real. This term is more formal and technical. The magician's show was famous for its illusion of disappearance. They created an illusion of disappearance using special effects in the movie.

Word

Description / Examples

disappearing act

Used mostly in informal settings to describe someone who suddenly leaves or becomes unavailable without warning, especially to avoid responsibilities or commitments. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.

He pulled a disappearing act just when we needed him most.
After the party, she did a disappearing act and we didn’t see her for the rest of the week.

vanishing trick

Often used to describe a magic trick where an object or person seemingly disappears. This term is informal and commonly used in the context of describing magic performances or playful scenarios.

The children were amazed by the magician's vanishing trick.
He showed us a classic vanishing trick with a coin at the party.

illusion of disappearance

Typically used in discussions related to magic, performance arts, or situations where an effect of disappearance is carefully crafted but isn't real. This term is more formal and technical.

The magician's show was famous for its illusion of disappearance.
They created an illusion of disappearance using special effects in the movie.

Examples of usage

The magician performed an amazing disappearing act with a rabbit.
Her favorite part of the magic show was when the disappearing act made the statue vanish.

Translations

Translations of the word "disappearing act" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ato de desaparecimento

🇮🇳 गायब होने का कार्य

🇩🇪 Verschwindenstrick

🇮🇩 aksi menghilang

🇺🇦 зникнення

🇵🇱 numer zniknięcia

🇯🇵 消失の技 (しょうしつのわざ)

🇫🇷 numéro de disparition

🇪🇸 acto de desaparición

🇹🇷 kaybolma numarası

🇰🇷 사라지는 묘기

🇸🇦 عمل الاختفاء

🇨🇿 zmizet trik

🇸🇰 trik zmiznutia

🇨🇳 消失的把戏 (xiāoshī de bǎxì)

🇸🇮 trik izginotja

🇮🇸 hverfa bragð

🇰🇿 жоғалу әрекеті

🇬🇪 გაქრობის ტრიუკი

🇦🇿 yox olma nömrəsi

🇲🇽 acto de desaparición

Etymology

The term 'disappearing act' originated in the world of magic shows, where magicians performed tricks to make objects or people disappear. This type of illusion has been popularized in entertainment and has become a common phrase to describe situations where something or someone vanishes mysteriously. The concept of disappearing acts has been a staple in magic performances for centuries, captivating audiences with the mystery and wonder of the impossible.