disappearance

UK: ˌdɪsəˈpɪərəns | US: ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns

Definition

  1. n. the act or fact of disappearing; the state of no longer being visible or present.

Structure
dis <opposite>appear <become visible>ance <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "disappearance" combines the prefix dis- (meaning "opposite" or "away"), the verb appear (from Latin apparere, "to become visible"), and the noun-forming suffix -ance (indicating an action or state). The logical progression reflects the reversal of visibility—literally "the act of ceasing to be visible." The term emerged in the 16th century, aligning with the rise of abstract nouns in English derived from Latin and French influences.

Examples

  1. The sudden disappearance of the documents raised suspicions.

  2. Scientists are studying the disappearance of honeybee colonies.

  3. Her disappearance from social media puzzled her friends.

  4. The magician’s disappearance act amazed the audience.

  5. The investigation focused on the mysterious disappearance of the ship.