descent
UK: dɪˈsɛnt | US: dɪˈsɛnt
n. the act of moving downward; a decline or drop in level
n. a person's lineage or ancestry
n. a sudden attack or invasion (archaic)
The word "descent" originates from Latin descendere (de- "down" + scandere "to climb"). Ironically, the root scandere originally meant "to climb," but combined with "de-," it inverted to signify downward motion. This reflects how prefixes can fundamentally alter a root's meaning. Over time, "descent" expanded metaphorically to include lineage (a "downward" flow of ancestry) and sudden actions (like an attack "coming down" on someone).
The hikers began their steep descent into the valley.
She traced her descent from a long line of artists.
The plane’s rapid descent caused passenger anxiety.
His noble descent was evident in the family archives.
The sudden descent of fog obscured the mountain path.