'downfall' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'dounfall,' where 'doun' meant 'down' and 'fall' meant 'to fall.'

'dounfall' transformed into the modern English word 'downfall' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a fall downward,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a sudden loss of power' and 'a heavy fall of rain or snow.'