Definition

The act of not appearing when expected, especially in a legal context, such as when a defendant or witness fails to show up in court.

Example

The judge issued a warrant for the arrest of the defendant due to his nonappearance at the trial.

Conversation

Did you hear about the case where the defendant had a nonappearance?

Yeah, that can really complicate things for the judge.

I wonder what happens next when there's a nonappearance like that.

Usually, they might issue a warrant or reschedule the hearing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonappearance → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "appearance" (from Latin "apparere", meaning to appear). The word "nonappearance" means the state of not appearing or being present.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') and 'appearing' ('apparere') to remember that 'nonappearance' refers to the state of not being present.

Visually Confused Words