adj
Common
disappeared
dih-suh-PEERD
Disappeared (adj) means Made to vanish, especially abducted or killed for political reasons. Example: “Families of the disappeared held a vigil outside the courthouse.”
adj
1
Made to vanish, especially abducted or killed for political reasons.
"Families of the disappeared held a vigil outside the courthouse."
"Mothers of the disappeared marched every week to demand answers."
"The disappeared activists were never seen by their families again."
noun
1
A person who has been abducted or killed by a government or authority and never accounted for.
"The memorial lists the names of hundreds of disappeared."
"The mothers still wait for news of their disappeared."
"A statue honours the disappeared who were taken from their homes at night."
How to use disappeared
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to victims of forced disappearance, usually in the context of political repression.
When to use it
A heavy, politically loaded term — mostly used in journalism and human-rights contexts, not everyday speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- disappeareds
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Families of the _____ held a vigil outside the courthouse.
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Rhymes for disappeared
See all rhymes for disappeared →Frequently asked questions
What does “disappeared” mean?
The word “disappeared” means made to vanish, especially abducted or killed for political reasons. In plain terms, refers to victims of forced disappearance, usually in the context of political repression.
How do you pronounce “disappeared”?
“Disappeared” is pronounced dih-suh-PEERD (/dɪsəˈpɪɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “disappeared” in a sentence?
Here is “disappeared” used in a sentence: “Families of the disappeared held a vigil outside the courthouse.”
What part of speech is “disappeared”?
Depending on how it is used, “disappeared” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “disappeared” a common word?
“Disappeared” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “disappeared” have?
“Disappeared” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made to vanish, especially abducted or killed for political reasons.
What is the difference between 'disappeared' and 'missing'?
'Missing' is a neutral term meaning someone cannot be found, for any reason. 'Disappeared,' in its political sense, implies that a person was deliberately abducted or killed, often by a government or authority, and never accounted for. The word carries a stronger suggestion of intentional wrongdoing.
What is the difference between 'disappeared' and 'vanished'?
'Vanished' simply means to have gone out of sight, often suddenly and without explanation, and it can apply to objects or people. 'Disappeared,' especially in political contexts, suggests a person was made to vanish through abduction or killing. Vanished is broader and neutral, while disappeared can carry sinister meaning.
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