English Explanatory Dictionary

downfall

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A precipitous decline in fortune; death or rapid deterioration, as in status or wealth.
  2. The cause of such a fall; a critical blow or error.
  3. An act of falling down.
verb
  1. To fall down; deteriorate; decline.

Pronunciation

/ˈdaʊnfɔːl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-downfall.wav /daʊnˈfɔːl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-downfall (verb).wav

Word forms

downfall downfalls downfal downfalling downfell downfallen

Etymology

From down- + fall. In this spelling, from 16th century; spelled as two words from 13th century.

Synonyms

fall doom

Derived words

Operation Downfall Willsons Downfall down-fallen downfallen
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