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disappear
/dɪsəˈpɪr/
to vanish or cease to be visible
The magician made the rabbit disappear with a wave of his wand.
The magician used a trick to make the rabbit vanish from sight.
general
to vanish or cease to be visible
The fog disappeared as the sun rose.
The fog vanished as the sun came up.
Her smile disappeared when she heard the bad news.
Her smile vanished when she received the bad news.
Can be used both literally and metaphorically.
informal
to go away or leave suddenly and without explanation
He disappeared without a trace after the argument.
He left suddenly and without explanation after the argument.
Often used when someone leaves without telling others.
Collocations
disappear without a traceto vanish completely with no evidence left behinddisappear into thin airto vanish suddenly and mysteriously
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
The word 'disappear' is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example, 'The fog disappeared' (literal) and 'Her confidence disappeared' (metaphorical).
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Metaphorical
Use 'disappear' for both physical vanishing and metaphorical fading, but ensure the context makes the meaning clear.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'disaperen', from Old French 'desapere', from Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'apparere' (to appear).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (e.g., objects vanishing) and metaphorically (e.g., emotions fading).
Word Breakdown
dis-
apart
prefix-appear
to come into view
rootEnglish Dictionary