D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Downfall

/(doun"fa̤l`)/ · Down·fall · IPA /ˈdaʊnfɔːl/
01 n. A sudden fall; a body of things falling.
  1. 1.
    A sudden fall; a body of things falling.
    “Those cataracts or downfalls aforesaid.” Holland.
    “Each downfall of a flood the mountains pour.” Dryden.
  2. 2.
    A sudden descent from rank or state, reputation or happiness; destruction; ruin; as, the senator's unrestrained sexual escapades led to his downfall.
    “Dire were the consequences which would follow the downfall of so important a place.” Motley.