Descend

/dɪˈsɛnd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to move downward, typically from a higher position to a lower position.

The hikers began to descend the mountain as the sun started to set.

to come from an ancestor; to be derived from.

She can trace her lineage and discover that she descends from a long line of artists.

to decrease in value or quality.

The stock prices began to descend after the news of the scandal broke.

to settle or arrive in a particular state or condition.

As night fell, a sense of calm began to descend over the town.

Late Middle English: from Old French 'descendre', from Latin 'descendere', from 'de-' meaning down and 'scandere' meaning to climb.

descend into madness

to deteriorate into insanity or chaotic behavior.

descend from

to be a descendant or offspring of.

descend upon

to arrive suddenly in a large number.

ascent

the act of rising or climbing up.

descendant

a person or animal that is descended from a specific ancestor.

to go downhill

After that last exam, my grades started to descend.

to get worse

His attitude has really descended since he got that bad news.