desaparecer

to disappear

verb deh-sah-pah-reh-SEHR Less Common

Origin: From Latin dis- + apparere (to appear).

Usage Note

Desaparecer is a regular -er verb but follows the spelling-change pattern of conocer: first-person singular present is desaparezco. In Latin American political discourse, the verb took on a chilling passive use — fue desaparecido (he was disappeared) — referring to extrajudicial disappearances by authoritarian regimes, a usage recognised by the RAE. Desaparición (disappearance) is the derived noun.

Examples

"El gato desapareció durante la noche."

Natural Translation

The cat disappeared during the night.

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