Search Result for "downfall": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (3)

1. failure that results in a loss of position or reputation;
[syn: downfall, ruin, ruination]

2. the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist);
[syn: precipitation, downfall]

3. a sudden decline in strength or number or importance;
- Example: "the fall of the House of Hapsburg"
[syn: fall, downfall]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Downfall \Down"fall`\ (doun"f[add]l`), n.
   1. A sudden fall; a body of things falling.
      [1913 Webster]

            Those cataracts or downfalls aforesaid. --Holland.
      [1913 Webster]

            Each downfall of a flood the mountains pour.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A sudden descent from rank or state, reputation or
      happiness; destruction; ruin; as, the senator's
      unrestrained sexual escapades led to his downfall.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

            Dire were the consequences which would follow the
            downfall of so important a place.     --Motley.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

downfall
    n 1: failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
         [syn: downfall, ruin, ruination]
    2: the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or
       hail or sleet or mist) [syn: precipitation, downfall]
    3: a sudden decline in strength or number or importance; "the
       fall of the House of Hapsburg" [syn: fall, downfall]
       [ant: rise]