Vanished: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when something or someone has suddenly and completely disappeared in a mysterious or unexpected manner.

• The treasure map vanished without a trace
• The magician's assistant vanished from the stage

Commonly used in everyday situations where something or someone is no longer visible or present. It is a general term for ceasing to be seen or to exist.

• The sun will disappear behind the clouds soon
• My keys seem to disappear every time I need them

Best used when something or someone gradually diminishes in visibility, importance, or presence over time. Often has a melancholic or gentle connotation.

• The sound of the music began to fade away as we left the venue
• Memories from my childhood are starting to fade away

Typically used in relation to the physical process of liquid turning into vapor, but can also be used metaphorically to describe something that gradually becomes less noticeable or important.

• The water will evaporate if you leave it in the sun
• His enthusiasm for the project seemed to evaporate over time

Use when something has disappeared suddenly and completely, often with a sense of mystery or without a trace.

• The magician's assistant vanished into thin air
• The ancient civilization vanished centuries ago

Use for something or someone that is no longer visible or present, with no strong connotation of mystery or permanence.

• The sun disappeared behind the clouds
• His car disappeared from the driveway

Use when something or someone is not where it is expected to be, often implying concern or the need to search for it.

• The child has been missing for two days
• There are several files missing from the report

Use when something is unable to be found, often implying confusion or a sense of not knowing where it is.

• I lost my keys somewhere in the house
• He felt lost in the new city