downfall

downfall [doun-fawl] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. descent to a lower position or standing; overthrow; ruin.
2. something causing ruin, failure, etc.: Liquor was his downfall.
3. a fall, as of rain, snow, or the like, often sudden or heavy.
4. 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 Related formsdown·fall·en, adjective Examples from the Web for downfallen Historical Examples of downfallen

Very likely he is staring at a downfallen horse and has forgotten this affair.

Baboo Jabberjee, B.A.

F. Anstey

At prayers morning and evening, it was pitiful to observe her glance of entreaty and her downfallen eyelashes.

The Adventures of Harry Richmond, Complete

George Meredith

A strange look of wonder illuminated the face of the downfallen man.

The Gnomes of the Saline Mountains

Anna Goldmark Gross

But the poor gentleman—the downfallen man of rank—the degraded man of birth—the disabled and disarmed man of power!

St. Ronan’s Well

Sir Walter Scott

All of his life that is known to us was passed in the company of publicans, of the downfallen, and of Pharisees.

My Religion

Leo Tolstoy

British Dictionary definitions for downfallen downfallen adjective

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

downfall noun

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

Word Origin and History for downfallen downfall n.

“ruin, fall from high condition,” c.1300, from down (adv.) + fall (v.).