Vanish: meaning, definitions and examples

When something or someone leaves suddenly and cannot be seen anymore. Often used in magical or mysterious contexts.

• The magician made the rabbit vanish from the hat
• The ancient city seemed to vanish from existence

When something or someone is no longer visible or present, often without a sudden or magical connotation. Can be used for both physical and abstract things.

• The sun disappeared behind the clouds
• Her previous enthusiasm seemed to disappear

When something gradually becomes less visible, less distinct, or loses importance over time.

• The music started to fade away
• His memories of childhood began to fade away

When a liquid turns into a vapor. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something disappearing slowly or over time.

• The water in the pot began to evaporate
• His hopes of winning the lottery seemed to evaporate

To defeat or overcome something completely. Often used in a combat or conflict context. Has a more aggressive or victorious connotation.

• The hero managed to vanquish the evil dragon
• They worked together to vanquish their fears

Vanishing is often used to describe something or someone that disappears quickly and without explanation. This word is versatile and can be used in everyday context as well as in more dramatic scenarios.

• The magician made the rabbit vanish before our eyes.
• All hopes of catching up with the deadline seemed to vanish into thin air.

Disappearance is a more formal term, generally used when something or someone is gone and it's not clear where or why. It's common in news reports or official statements.

• The police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of the young girl.
• The sudden disappearance of the funds raised many questions.

Vanishing act is another idiomatic expression similar to disappearing act, often implying a sudden, unexpected disappearance. It can be used humorously or critically.

• He did a vanishing act just when the bill arrived.
• You can't just perform a vanishing act whenever things get tough.

Disappearing act is a less formal, idiomatic expression. It's often used humorously or critically, usually when someone suddenly leaves or escapes from a situation to avoid responsibilities or commitments.

• He pulled a disappearing act right before it was his turn to speak.
• Don't pull a disappearing act when it's time to do the chores.

Evanescence is a poetic and more literary term, referring to something that is fleeting or temporary. It can describe abstract things like emotions or moments rather than physical objects.

• The evanescence of youth is something everyone must come to terms with.
• Her happiness had an air of evanescence, always delicate and short-lived.