'catabasis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'katabasis' (κατάβασις), where 'kata-' meant 'down' and 'basis' meant 'a step'.

'catabasis' changed from the Ancient Greek 'katabasis' and passed into Latin as 'catabasis', eventually entering English with essentially the same form and sense.

Initially, it meant 'a going down or descent (especially into the underworld)', but over time it broadened to mean 'a descent, retreat, or downward movement' in general contexts.