noun
Refers to a remaining mark, sign, or evidence of something that was once present. Often used in negative contexts to indicate complete disappearance.
犯人は跡形もなく消えた。
The culprit vanished without a trace.
火事で家は跡形もなく焼けてしまった。
The house burned down completely, leaving no trace.
Search-only form; not a standard spelling.
痕跡 is a more formal term for traces or marks left behind, often used in scientific or investigative contexts. 跡形 is more common in everyday speech and often appears in the set phrase 跡形もなく.
Compound of 跡 (ato, 'trace, mark') and 形 (kata, 'shape, form'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally conveys the idea of a remaining shape or trace.