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