disappearance

American  

[dis-uh-peer-uhns] / ˌdɪs əˈpɪər əns /

noun

1. the act or an instance of disappearing; a ceasing to be seen or to exist.

---

Etymology

Origin of disappearance

First recorded in 1705–15; disappear + -ance

Explanation

A disappearance occurs when something vanishes from sight. The disappearance of the stars behind the clouds makes it a bad night for watching a meteor shower. While this word is often used when something's not visible, you can also use it for something that dies out or ceases to exist, like the disappearance of a particular animal species that's gone extinct or even disappearance of cursive writing in schools. In news stories, the word frequently refers to a crime involving a missing person: "The disappearance of his neighbor was very mysterious."

Related Words

• departure
• exodus
• loss
• removal