Definitions

1. noun

a downward slope or movement, especially a steep one, as of a hill or mountain

“The hikers began their descent down the rocky mountain.”

2. noun

the process of becoming or making something worse or more difficult

“The economic descent of the city was caused by the decline of its main industry.”

3. noun

a group of people or animals that are in the same category or have a common characteristic

“The descent of the aristocracy from power was a significant social change.”

4. noun

a person’s or a family’s ancestral origin or nationality

“The family’s descent from European nobility was a matter of pride.”

5. noun

a sudden or violent movement downward, especially of a person or animal

“The skier’s descent down the steep slope was too fast, and he lost control.”

6. verb

to move downward, especially with a sudden or violent motion

“The plane began to descend, preparing for landing.”

7. verb

to move or cause something to move from a higher to a lower position

“The elevator started to descend to the basement level.”

8. verb

to make or become worse, more difficult, or less acceptable

“The economy began to descend into chaos after the financial crisis.”