disappear

/dɪsəˈpɪr/
verbBeginner
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.

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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

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

disappear into thin airphrase
to vanish suddenly and mysteriously
disappear without a tracephrase
to vanish completely with no evidence left behind

💡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
root
English Dictionary