The Greek verb aphanizō means to destroy, disfigure, cause to disappear, or render invisible. It combines the negative alpha with phainō (to appear), thus to un-appear something. The verb ranges from physical destruction (moth and rust) to deliberate disfigurement (hypocrites distorting their faces) to the fading of human life.
Matthew 6:19-20: earthly treasures that moth and rust destroy (aphanizousin) are contrasted with heavenly treasures beyond corruption. Matthew 6:16: hypocrites 'disfigure their faces' when fasting to perform a false piety. James 4:14 captures life's fragility: 'you are a mist... then vanishes (aphanizomenē).' Invest in what cannot be aphanizō-ed.