desaparecido

missing

adjective deh-sah-pah-reh-SEE-doh Rare

Also means

disappeared

Usage Note

Desaparecido functions as both an adjective ('missing, disappeared') and a noun (los desaparecidos), the latter carrying heavy political weight in Latin America, referring to people who 'disappeared' during military dictatorships in the 1970s–80s. Learners should be aware of this charged connotation when using the noun form.

Examples

"El niño desaparecido fue encontrado sano."

Natural Translation

The missing child was found safe.

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