desaparecido
desaparecído with stress marks
missing or abducted person
Usage Note
Desaparecido, borrowed from Spanish via Latin American political vocabulary, specifically refers in the Philippines to victims of enforced disappearance under authoritarian regimes, particularly during the Marcos martial law era. It carries heavy political weight and is central to human rights discourse about state violence.
Examples
" Maraming desaparecido noon. "
Natural Translation
There were many missing persons back then.
Literal Translation
Many missing-persons before.
" Maraming desaparecido sa panahon ng Batas Militar. "
Natural Translation
Many people disappeared during Martial Law.
Literal Translation
Many missing-persons in time of Martial Law.
" Hanggang ngayon, hinahanap pa rin ng mga pamilya ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na naging desaparecido noong panahon ng diktadura. "
Natural Translation
Even now, families are still searching for their loved ones who became victims of enforced disappearance during the time of the dictatorship.
Literal Translation
Until now, searching still by-the families the their loved in life that became missing-persons during time of dictatorship.
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