downfall

[ doun-fawl ]
/ ˈdaʊnˌfɔl /

noun

descent to a lower position or standing; overthrow; ruin.
something causing ruin, failure, etc.: Liquor was his downfall.
a fall, as of rain, snow, or the like, often sudden or heavy.
a trap using a falling weight for killing, injuring, or imprisoning the prey.

Origin of downfall

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at down1, fall

OTHER WORDS FROM downfall

down·fall·en, adjective

Words nearby downfall

downdraught, downer, downers grove, downey, downey cell, downfall, downfallen, downfield, downforce, downgrade, downgrowth

Example sentences from the Web for downfallen

British Dictionary definitions for downfallen (1 of 2)

downfallen
/ (ˈdaʊnˌfɔːlən) /

adjective

(of a building, etc) decrepit
mainly US (of a person) ruined; fallen

British Dictionary definitions for downfallen (2 of 2)

downfall
/ (ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl) /

noun

a sudden loss of position, health, or reputation
a fall of rain, snow, etc, esp a sudden heavy one
another word for deadfall