释义 |
downfall \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English dounfal, from doun down + fal fall — more at down, fall (noun) 1. a. : a sudden fall from high estate, power, reputation, or happiness : destruction, ruin < the downfall of the government > b. : a fall (as of snow or rain) especially when sudden or heavy : descent 2. a. archaic : a precipitous descent : abyss b. : a trap having some device that falls and imprisons or injures the prey when the trap is sprung — compare deadfall c. : something that causes a downfall (as of a person) < drink was his downfall > |