Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Downfall
Down′fallˊ
(doun′fa̤lˊ)
, Noun.
1.
A sudden fall; a body of things falling.
Those cataracts or
downfalls
aforesaid. Holland.
Each
downfall
of a flood the mountains pour. Dryden.
Dire were the consequences which would follow the
downfall
of so important a place. Motley.
Webster 1828 Edition
Downfall
DOWNFALL
,Noun.
1.
A falling, or body of things falling; as the downfall of a flood.2.
Ruin; destruction; a sudden fall; or ruin by violence, in distinction from slow decay or declension; as the downfall of the Roman empire, occasioned by the conquests of the Northern nations; the downfall of a city.3.
The sudden fall, depression or ruin of reputation or estate. We speak of the downfall of pride or glory, and of distinguished characters.